Snowball's chance
I contacted the Big Ten office today and asked about a couple of the officiating/game management situations that happened during Saturday's Illinois-Penn State game.
The multiple snowballs that were thrown during the game were in the hands of Penn State game management officials. However, if a snowball had affected play, say hit a field goal attempt in the final seconds, the on-field officials would have had the ability to make the call, including awarding a score for the kicking team.
What's really interesting about the snowballs during the field goal attempt by Derek Dimke was that they appeared to come from the side where they would have helped the kick. In that case, it doesn't appear that the points would have been taken off the board.
As for the lack of instant replay on the interception involving a prone A.J. Jenkins, here's what we got back from Big Ten spokesman Scott Chipman:
"The Big Ten does not comment on officiating or judgment calls, so we would not comment on your first two questions," Chipman wrote.
a recent story said that coach guenther helped evaluate officiating. i wonder if he still bleeds orange or would he try to stay out of it even though it was obvious. sad you get put in jail in philly for throwing snowballs at an eagles game but in happy valley it is ok to throw them all day. i have to believe in champaign each person caught throwing snowballs would at least be ejected. it doesnt sound like penn state did much about it.
Why focus on the minor aspects of the game such as the interception and snowballs at the field goal kicker. Key in the real issues with Illini football. The offensive play calling was inane and the special team play (Zook's responsibility?) was inexcusable. Blocked punts should never happen particularly with 3 up-front blockers. Why was Illinois constantly testing the middle of the defense, that was playing into PS strengths.
Starts and ends with that douche Jim Delaney.
On or about September 29, 2010, I spoke with then-Supervisor of BIg 10 Officials David Parry about the hosing Illinois took to Michigan.
I then clamoured for instant replay. With God as my witness, he laughed at me and said, "Well, as long as I am in charge of the officials, I won't see the need for instant replay."
Bob, you probably ended the call too quickly. Scott Arsewiper, or whatever his name is, was going to end with, "However, we are delighted that Joe Paterno was able to cinch his record tying victory!"
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