Tallahassee Newspaper Throws Down the Gauntlet

[billybud]

Although FSU can't discuss the ACC and officiating, it is no secret that there have been some feelings that the Tobacco Road boys have been getting help from officials.

FSU can't comment, but the local newspaper can, and did.

HEADLINE....WHERE DID ALL THE HOLDINGS GO

Exerpts..

"The Seminoles lead all of Division I-A college football with 38 sacks on the season — six more than second-place South Carolina.
Yet in the last 192 plays in which an opposing quarterback has dropped back to pass against Florida State, there has been one holding call.

In the last three games, there hasn't been one.

Sophomore defensive end Brandon Jenkins, who leads the team with 10 sacks, said he's talked to the referee plenty of times about being grabbed by offensive tackles.
It's just crazy, "He says, 'I'll watch out for it,'" Jenkins said. "But he doesn't throw the flag. … Usually what my coach tells me is to fight harder. When they put their hands on you and grab your jersey — knock it down. That's up to me. You've just got to push through it."

The defenses of the North Carolina teams are getting more holding calls...Even Duke's defense gets an average of one per game.

Asked about this specific number on Monday, Florida State head coach Jimbo Fisher joked it was "almost worth it" to speak out and have to pay a fine to the conference."

[billybud]

More...

"During last week's North Carolina game, the Tar Heels were flagged for holding just once. Florida State, by contrast, earned four holding calls during the game.

One of the most questionable holding calls occurred in the fourth quarter on tight end Beau Reliford after a 3-yard run by Chris Thompson. Instead of having a first down on UNC's 14-yard line down six points, the penalty forced FSU to attempt a 42-yard field goal that was missed by Dustin Hopkins.

"We went down and got the mystical holding on third-and-one," said Fisher of the holding call on Reliford. "It's disheartening because we are driving to win the football game."

While many of the holding calls on FSU are debatable, what is hard to deny that the Seminole defense isn't receiving the same treatment. Despite leading the country in sacks, opposing offenses have been called for only five holding penalties in 418 plays all year. On the other hand, FSU's offense has had six holding calls against it in the past two games alone.

The disparity in holding calls on the two sides of the ball isn't lost on FSU's defensive players.

[RazorHawk]

More...

"During last week's North Carolina game, the Tar Heels were flagged for holding just once. Florida State, by contrast, earned four holding calls during the game.

One of the most questionable holding calls occurred in the fourth quarter on tight end Beau Reliford after a 3-yard run by Chris Thompson. Instead of having a first down on UNC's 14-yard line down six points, the penalty forced FSU to attempt a 42-yard field goal that was missed by Dustin Hopkins.

"We went down and got the mystical holding on third-and-one," said Fisher of the holding call on Reliford. "It's disheartening because we are driving to win the football game."

While many of the holding calls on FSU are debatable, what is hard to deny that the Seminole defense isn't receiving the same treatment. Despite leading the country in sacks, opposing offenses have been called for only five holding penalties in 418 plays all year. On the other hand, FSU's offense has had six holding calls against it in the past two games alone.

The disparity in holding calls on the two sides of the ball isn't lost on FSU's defensive players.

So, are you saying that FSU is the Arkansas of the ACC?

[Spence]

I didn't watch the FSU - North Carolina game, and I do know that their is some "home cooking", but I don't know that cheating goes on to the scale that is being alleged here. Ohio State got hosed at home the year the lost to Illinois in the shoe. Those officials made four really agregious calls that both extended drives for Illinois and killed drives for Ohio State. I don't think that the officials are cheating, I think they are just very bad. If it is proven they have cheated, then they lose a lot and I don't see the advantage for them. I don't think most officials care who wins. I do think if a defense is overpowering an offense badly, the officials let the offensive line get away with more. I don't think they even do it on purpose, but it happens lots.

It happens all the time with mismatches on the lines. It shouldn't but it does. I think that cheating, though, it too strong a word.

[RazorHawk]

I didn't watch the FSU - North Carolina game, and I do know that their is some "home cooking", but I don't know that cheating goes on to the scale that is being alleged here. Ohio State got hosed at home the year the lost to Illinois in the shoe. Those officials made four really agregious calls that both extended drives for Illinois and killed drives for Ohio State. I don't think that the officials are cheating, I think they are just very bad. If it is proven they have cheated, then they lose a lot and I don't see the advantage for them. I don't think most officials care who wins. I do think if a defense is overpowering an offense badly, the officials let the offensive line get away with more. I don't think they even do it on purpose, but it happens lots.

It happens all the time with mismatches on the lines. It shouldn't but it does. I think that cheating, though, it too strong a word.

Totally agree. But when you are a big fan, and viewing the games with your colored glasses, it often seems that you are on the short end of the "bad calls" stick. I also think the game is so fast that it is very difficult for 40 and 50 year old referees to keep up with the 20 year old players on the field.

[billybud]

The numbers speak.

I don't have to be a fan to understand the numbers. Something smells on Tobacco Road.

I can also see the non calls and bogus calls on FSU...but I admit to a fan bias...but, no way are those numbers right.

[Spence]

That plays a part too. I do thing the knee jerk reaction is we got cheated. I think it is fair to say "we were hosed" I have wore the stripes and called games - mostly baseball - and I have heard all the comments. If you think football is bad, baseball mothers and fathers are twice as bad. Any bad call - or perceived bad call - is cheating. You have it in for "enter school name here". I can honestly say that I have never called a game where I cared two shakes who won the game. I did have one occasion, umpiring a girls softball game, where I did find myself rooting for a girl to throw a strike because she couldn't hit the strike zone with a bus. It was the only time I ever widened my strike zone for anyone and it didn't change the out come of the game, just ended it earlier then it might have ended. It was painful to watch and the coach wasn't taking her out.

[billybud]

I believe in numbers....they do tell a tale. The ACC can't escape the huge differential in calls.

[Spence]

I believe in numbers....they do tell a tale. The ACC can't escape the huge differential in calls.

If Florida State believes they can't get a fair shake in the ACC, they have options. There are any number of conferences that would except them in.

[donovan]

I believe in numbers....they do tell a tale. The ACC can't escape the huge differential in calls.

If Florida State believes they can't get a fair shake in the ACC, they have options. There are any number of conferences that would except them in.

The WAC and MCW are looking for upgrades....not sure how you deal with snow?

[Cane from the Bend]

I just dealt with snow the other day

Back up to the 60's now though.

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[billybud]

I haven't been in snow in 24 years.

I was in Colorado with my wife in a blizzard and she said slow down for the bridge...as my southern mind was wondering "what's with this bridge stuff?", I started sliding sideways, did two 360's and came to a stop with my heart pounding but with the car untouched.

Snow, ice? No thanks.

[Spence]

I haven't been in snow in 24 years.

I was in Colorado with my wife in a blizzard and she said slow down for the bridge...as my southern mind was wondering "what's with this bridge stuff?", I started sliding sideways, did two 360's and came to a stop with my heart pounding but with the car untouched.

Snow, ice? No thanks.

It isn't hard to drive in if you know about it. It is when it catches you by surprise that it causes problems. Bridges when the temps under 30 degrees are always suspect.

As a kid I used to do what you discribed - on purpose. Different worlds. When we lived in St. Pete my dad would be amazed the amount of accidents after a frost. Then again we could go hip wading into creeks at home while fishing and people had to warn us down there that wasn't the best idea - different worlds.

[donovan]

I haven't been in snow in 24 years.

I was in Colorado with my wife in a blizzard and she said slow down for the bridge...as my southern mind was wondering "what's with this bridge stuff?", I started sliding sideways, did two 360's and came to a stop with my heart pounding but with the car untouched.

Snow, ice? No thanks.

OK..I will tell them that FSU passes...drats.