orangecuse
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I think this is a good post, but I have an issue with your last paragraph -- because penalties were HIGHLY detrimental in taking away several big offensive plays that we DID have. It wasn't just that no-call on Shrader being clearly hit out of bounds.
A holding penalty wiped out a Shrader run for a first down. A holding penalty wiped off a massive third down conversion on a pass to Gadsden. Not only did that wipe off first downs, but also prevented us from:
I'm not suggesting that those were all bad calls. I'm just saying that based upon calls, Clemson's cause was assisted on both sides of the ball at key inflection points during the game -- numerous times. Not only did we not get any calls, all of the key calls went against us.
- Retaining the ball
- Using additional clock to shorten the game when we had the lead
- Wracking up potential additional yardage, because we'd have more plays to use
- Potentially scoring
So by definition, the officiating was a huge factor. This is one of those instances where two things can be true simultaneously. If we did more offensively, we probably win AND the officiating was incredibly lopsided and dealt us harm.
Fair enough.
I can't comment intelligently on those two particular penalties you are referring to as I haven't gone back to those particular plays, see the actual footage, etc. and make an assessment. No doubt though, those calls played a role and have significance...just as your ensuing points point out.
As typically the case, were the calls warranted (objectively) or not, and, if not for the particular foul, would that play's outcome been different?
The ones that get me are when they are ticky tack like, and/or having no bearing on the play at all.