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Auburn's 12th Man Not Legal, Not Penalized
Football commentary by HottyToddy.com contributor Steve Vassallo
I guess we’ve all seen the photo by now, but if not, it’s included for one more good look. To borrow a line from John, Paul, George and Ringo: “I saw him standing there.” One of my tailgating buds noticed the 12th man before the play unfolded and then waited for the flag that never was thrown!
It’s one thing to lose, but another to have a game taken away by Halloween trickery. I guess I must be naive in believing that “fairness” will always prevail. I mistakenly thought that the officials actually counted the number of players on the field before the ball is snapped. Whatever the system they have in place, it ain’t workin!
We came very close to losing the Bama game by one of the most flagrant non-calls in NCAA history that gave the Tide a touchdown almost putting the game out of reach!
When is enough, enough? ESPN has a new feature highlighting NFL miscues entitled “Come on, Man.” It’s too bad they cannot include collegiate actions within this program.
I was told by a reliable source that the new 12th man offensive alignment occurred on as many as four plays in the now infamous game of Nov. 1. I have not seen the actual film footage to verify if this account is factual.
However, based upon what we do know, I believe strongly that the entire game needs to be investigated now. If it is clearly apparent that the officials missed a number of key calls that impacted the outcome, there needs to be a vehicle to alter the standings!
If not, the entire integrity of the NCAA playoff system is up in smoke. These kids and coaches are investing too much of their lives and souls into these games to have the outcomes decided by either incompetence or trickery. The amount of money being invested into these contests is staggering. The ticket prices alone are significant, not to mention the premiums we have to pay for the privilege of sitting in a certain location.
Having said this, we the fans, deserve better as to our EXPECTATIONS for fairness being the reigning theme each and every time our team suits up!
In his weekly press conference, coach Hugh Freeze made this statement about the multiple missed calls by the officiating team this weekend.
“I tell my three children all the time that life’s not fair. I got a letter from former Chancellor (Robert) Khayat about some of these things. Sometimes it’s unjust. What I mean by that is the reward you get is really not equal to the effort you put in or to what you think you might have deserved out of a situation.
“As far as the calls, our officials work extremely hard at being the best at what they do. I have confidence in the leadership they have in Steve Shaw. It is frustrating at times for certain things that you feel like you saw a different way. Just like at the time I thought it sure looked like it should have been a horse collar call. After watching the film, it wasn’t. Sometimes I don’t see things correctly. You’re frustrated when you see certain things, but I have confidence in them. I make bad calls, too, sometimes.”
Here’s what the Twittersphere has been saying since the information was discovered:
Steve Vassallo is a HottyToddy.com contributor. Steve writes on Ole Miss athletics, Oxford business, politics and other subjects. He is an Ole Miss grad and former radio announcer for the basketball team. In addition, he is a certified economic and community developer and currently, a highly successful leader in the real estate business with Premier Properties of Oxford. Steve’s lifelong dream has been to live in Oxford full-time. “I am now living my dream daily as is my wife Rosie, who works with the Oxford Chamber of Commerce,” Steve said. You can contact Steve at sovassallo@gmail.com or call him at 985-852-7745.
| Sat, Aug 31 |  | vs Furman | W, 76-0 |
| Sat, Sep 7 |  | vs Middle Tennessee | W, 52-3 |
| Sat, Sep 14 |  | @ Wake Forest | W, 40-6 |
| Sat, Sep 21 |  | vs Georgia Southern | W, 52-13 |
| Sat, Sep 28 |  | vs Kentucky | L, 20-17 |
| Sat, Oct 5 |  | @ South Carolina | W, 27-3 |
| Sat, Oct 12 |  | vs LSU | L, 29-26 (2 OT) |
| Sat, Oct 26 |  | vs Oklahoma | W, 26-14 |
| Sat, Nov 2 |  | @ Arkansas | W, 63-35 |
| Sat, Nov 16 |  | vs Georgia | W, 28-10 |
| Sat, Nov 23 |  | @ Florida | L, 24-17 |
| Sat, Nov 30 |  | vs Mississippi State | W, 26-14 |
| Thu, Jan 2 |  | vs Duke (Gator Bowl) | 6:30 PM • ESPN |
Jason
November 4, 2014 at 1:11 pm
It still hurts.
Jane Boykin
November 4, 2014 at 1:29 pm
I’ve given this a lot of thought – understatement! – and believe there are two distinctly different issues. The issue of missed calls is certainly one that needs to be addressed; but, one could lump them together as judgement calls.
However, the other is not a matter of judgement. Instead, it is a matter of fact. Twelve players were fielded and played in a game intended for only eleven. It was caught on film and a screen shot has been twittered for days but ignored by the SEC.
Meanwhile, Auburn continues to claim a victory that wasn’t.
You are so very right is saying the credibility of the playoff system is on the line. The rules provide the opportunity for the league to review and “do the right thing”.
P-Diddy
November 4, 2014 at 5:07 pm
So an additional 11 yards with 9 minutes to go in the 3rd quarter is a game deciding play…? What about those 4th quarter fumbles?
You talk about a “vehicle to change the standings” – are you referring to the final outcome of the game?? SO everything that happened after that missed call is null and void and Ole Miss wins??
It’s funny to hear about fairness from a fan of a program that is under investigation by the NCAA for multiple rules violations.
The argument you present is ridiculous – If anything head coaches should be able to alert/challenge the officials of potential missed calls immediately after their occurrence so that they may be reviewed.
This 11 yard play didn’t lose the game for you – the late game fumbles and lack of defense is what did Ole Miss in.
Nikki Hunt
November 4, 2014 at 7:41 pm
Football program under Freeze not under inverstigation you need to do some research before you post ! Oh by the way have you ever been on the field coaching do you really think they can see everything as a coach rely on sec officials to make that is why they have them! And Just Remember curse is on YOU HAVE STILL TO PLAY ALABAMA !!!!!!As does several others !!!! And since you posted so blatantly ROLL FRIGIN TIDE
Justice Allen
November 5, 2014 at 12:14 am
6 inches lost the game, what makes you think 11 yards (resulting in a 1st down and subsequent touchdown) didn’t win it?
Hoppy Langley
November 5, 2014 at 5:56 am
I have said it for years. There are some rules that apply to the SEC schools in Alabama, but all of the rules apply to all of the SEC schools outside of the state of Alabama. As for you Mr. P%&*$ Diddy you are going to learn this on Nov. 15th in Tuscaloosa, AL. Just know this, Rebel fans everywhere will be laughing! See you after Thanksgiving in Oxford! Can’t wait!
P-Diddy
November 6, 2014 at 9:17 am
Nikki Hunt – They do have coordinators in the booth that have eyes from above and are directly connected to the others on the field via wireless communication.
Justice Allen – so by that logic a missed pass interference penalty on the first play of the game could cost a team a win (get back to reality)
Hoppy Langley – I’m sure ya’ll will be laughing as hard as you were at the end of the Egg Bowl last year (Enjoy your high school women’s basketball coach while you’ve got him – Houston Nutt all over again)