As fans we often just see a bad call and think it impacts that specific play…but when you analyze how games are officiated you can see how it actually impacts play calling.
LSU knew they had the officials protecting them at home. The odds of them winning were low, nothing to lose…you tell your guy to push off knowing it’s unlikely an OPI is called.
The Kentucky game was the most obvious example of this I may have ever seen. Stoops had been working the officials all game. 4th down they call a Hail Mary down their own sideline, right next to Stoops clearly advocating for a DPI, only to have their guy clearly push off and catch the ball. That play wasn’t designed because it’s a high % play, it was designed to get a penalty.
If I’m a coach from one of our upcoming opponents I’m well aware of this.
LSU knew they had the officials protecting them at home. The odds of them winning were low, nothing to lose…you tell your guy to push off knowing it’s unlikely an OPI is called.
The Kentucky game was the most obvious example of this I may have ever seen. Stoops had been working the officials all game. 4th down they call a Hail Mary down their own sideline, right next to Stoops clearly advocating for a DPI, only to have their guy clearly push off and catch the ball. That play wasn’t designed because it’s a high % play, it was designed to get a penalty.
If I’m a coach from one of our upcoming opponents I’m well aware of this.
