[scorecard]

CHOP BLOCK
ARTICLE 3. A chop block is a high-low or low-high combination block by any two players against an opponent (not the ball carrier) anywhere on the field, with or without a delay between blocks; the “low” component is at the opponent’s thigh or below. (A.R. 9-1-10-I-IV). It is not a foul if the blockers’ opponent initiates the contact. (A.R. 9-1-10-V)
(FR-28, 2013 and 2014 NCAA Rules and Interpretations.)

This is the official rule.  Comments?

Like most NCAA rules, this rule is poorly written.  Doesn't the blockers' opponent pretty much always initiate contact on a pass play?  What does that even mean?  With or without a delay? 

I can see it both ways, the ref made a call in a bang-bang play, and I can't blame him for erring on the side of player safety.  But I don't think there would have been any controversy if he didn't make that call.  No one would have claimed that it was a blatant illegal missed chop block.  It was actually a great block by Wright, cutting down a larger defender rushing in at full speed.  I agree with OutsiderFan and dabigv, it was technically correct, but not really in the spirit of the rule as intended.

Speaking of chop blocks and cut blocks, I would like to see our taller D-linemen (particularly Henry Anderson, who is way too valuable to lose again) not play much, if at all, against Army.  If we can just make it out of the Army game without any leg injuries, I will be happy, no matter what the margin of victory.

[scorecard]

CHOP BLOCK
ARTICLE 3. A chop block is a high-low or low-high combination block by any two players against an opponent (not the ball carrier) anywhere on the field, with or without a delay between blocks; the “low” component is at the opponent’s thigh or below. (A.R. 9-1-10-I-IV). It is not a foul if the blockers’ opponent initiates the contact. (A.R. 9-1-10-V)
(FR-28, 2013 and 2014 NCAA Rules and Interpretations.)

This is the official rule.  Comments?

Like most NCAA rules, this rule is poorly written.  Doesn't the blockers' opponent pretty much always initiate contact on a pass play?  What does that even mean?  With or without a delay? 

I can see it both ways, the ref made a call in a bang-bang play, and I can't blame him for erring on the side of player safety.  But I don't think there would have been any controversy if he didn't make that call.  No one would have claimed that it was a blatant illegal missed chop block.  It was actually a great block by Wright, cutting down a larger defender rushing in at full speed.  I agree with OutsiderFan and dabigv, it was technically correct, but not really in the spirit of the rule as intended.

Speaking of chop blocks and cut blocks, I would like to see our taller D-linemen (particularly Henry Anderson, who is way too valuable to lose again) not play much, if at all, against Army.  If we can just make it out of the Army game without any leg injuries, I will be happy, no matter what the margin of victory.