Willingham's comments about controversial call
Naturally, postgame talk after BYU's 28-27 win over Washington on Saturday focused on the unsportsmanlike conduct penalty assessed to UW quarterback Jake Locker and the ensuing blocked PAT.
Here's what Washington coach Tyrone Willingham said about the call:
"It's unfortunate, but it's one that they almost have to call. It really should be a no-call, but it's one that they have to call when they see it.
"The game is an emotional game. We cannot play it without emotion, and therefore we are going to celebrate. The key is trying to manufacture the right celebration that does not belittle the game or the sportsmanship that should be part of the game."
Although the PAT that was blocked appeared low and probably would not have made it past BYU's line surge from any distance, Willingham said it the extra length made a difference.
"It changes everything. I don't think there's any question about that. It made a difference, but it's still one that we count on ourselves being able to protect and get off the kick."
Willingham praised BYU for being physical and aggressive.
"That is a good football team. That running back they have (Harvey Unga) is very difficult to tackle. He's a big man that runs well. He's nifty, he catches the football. Their tight end (Dennis Pitta) obviously posed some problems. They are big tight ends that move well and catch the football."
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Pac-10 referee Larry Farina's official statement on the penalty is on our Web site, but in case you haven't found it there, here it is:
"After scoring the touchdown, the player threw the ball into the air and we are required, by rule, to assess a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. It is a celebration rule that we are required to call. it was not a judgment call."
The official quoted Rule 9, Section 2, Article 1, which states:
"There shall be no unsportsmanlike conduct or any act that interferes with orderly game administration on the part of players, substitutes, coaches, authorized attendants or any other persons subject to the rules, before the game, during the game or between periods.
Specifically prohibited acts and conduct include:
2. After a score or any other play, the player in possession immediately must return the ball to an official or leave it near the dead-ball spot.
This prohibits: (a) Kicking, throwing, spinning or carrying (including off of the field) the ball any distance that requires an official to retrieve it.
(b) Spiking the ball to the ground [Exception: A forward pass to conserve time (Rule 7-3-2-d)].
(c) Throwing the ball high into the air.
(d) Any other unsportsmanlike act or actions that delay the game.
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The Cougars were already thin at linebacker, and it got worse Saturday with the injury to Vic So'oto. A BYU spokesperson said the initial diagnosis was that So'oto broke his foot in the first half.
More will be known after an evaluation Sunday or Monday, but the converted tight end is probably going to be out for six weeks, maybe longer.
Coleby Clawson, who split time with So'oto the first game, will now become the full-time starter at the weakside linebacker position.
Here's what Washington coach Tyrone Willingham said about the call:
"It's unfortunate, but it's one that they almost have to call. It really should be a no-call, but it's one that they have to call when they see it.
"The game is an emotional game. We cannot play it without emotion, and therefore we are going to celebrate. The key is trying to manufacture the right celebration that does not belittle the game or the sportsmanship that should be part of the game."
Although the PAT that was blocked appeared low and probably would not have made it past BYU's line surge from any distance, Willingham said it the extra length made a difference.
"It changes everything. I don't think there's any question about that. It made a difference, but it's still one that we count on ourselves being able to protect and get off the kick."
Willingham praised BYU for being physical and aggressive.
"That is a good football team. That running back they have (Harvey Unga) is very difficult to tackle. He's a big man that runs well. He's nifty, he catches the football. Their tight end (Dennis Pitta) obviously posed some problems. They are big tight ends that move well and catch the football."
-------------------------------
Pac-10 referee Larry Farina's official statement on the penalty is on our Web site, but in case you haven't found it there, here it is:
"After scoring the touchdown, the player threw the ball into the air and we are required, by rule, to assess a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. It is a celebration rule that we are required to call. it was not a judgment call."
The official quoted Rule 9, Section 2, Article 1, which states:
"There shall be no unsportsmanlike conduct or any act that interferes with orderly game administration on the part of players, substitutes, coaches, authorized attendants or any other persons subject to the rules, before the game, during the game or between periods.
Specifically prohibited acts and conduct include:
2. After a score or any other play, the player in possession immediately must return the ball to an official or leave it near the dead-ball spot.
This prohibits: (a) Kicking, throwing, spinning or carrying (including off of the field) the ball any distance that requires an official to retrieve it.
(b) Spiking the ball to the ground [Exception: A forward pass to conserve time (Rule 7-3-2-d)].
(c) Throwing the ball high into the air.
(d) Any other unsportsmanlike act or actions that delay the game.
----------------------------------
The Cougars were already thin at linebacker, and it got worse Saturday with the injury to Vic So'oto. A BYU spokesperson said the initial diagnosis was that So'oto broke his foot in the first half.
More will be known after an evaluation Sunday or Monday, but the converted tight end is probably going to be out for six weeks, maybe longer.
Coleby Clawson, who split time with So'oto the first game, will now become the full-time starter at the weakside linebacker position.
12:22 AM
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2 Comments:
Yes yes it was a legitimate flag. My question is that when I've seen it called excessive celebration the 15 yard penalty was imposed on the ensuing kickoff. Not on PAT. I have to confess I don't know the rules therefore I would like to know why it only happens on certain occassions. )This is the first time I have seen it imposed prior to the PAT. USC has been charge with the same penalty "excessive celebration" on more than 1 occasion more recently it was called in last weeks 8/30 game between VA & So.Cal, but again the penatly 15 yards was imposed on the ensuing kickoff not before PAT. Thank you very, a college football fan!
stoodie53@msn.com
It is the non-offending team's choice whether to take the penalty on the kick off or on the PAT. In typical, mid-game situations, it makes more sense to take the penalty on th kick off since even a 35 yard PAT is near-automatic for most D-I kickers.
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