[Renaissance Man]

[quote author=Renaissance Man link=topic=10788.msg101163#msg101163 date=1412631643]
I know that their is a strong sentiment against blaming officials, so I guess I am asking for an onslaught of negative arrows by stating some of the things I saw on Saturday.

You're right there is strong sentiment against that.  I think you have to expect it when you go to South Bend, regardless of what conference supplies the refs.

Bottom line - when you put yourself in a position to have the game decided by the refs, you have already lost.  This game was there for the taking, and the offense stunk it up for the third time in a row against a quality opponent.
[/quote]

This is where we agree/disagree.  I agree with you if we are talking about one bad call.  I would argue that EVERY game is in a position to be decided by the refs--give me a whistle and motivation and the Stanford women's basketball team could beat the Lakers.  The officiating bias was pervasive throughout the ND game, and, I would argue, WAS the reason we were in a position to lose the game.

[Renaissance Man]

[quote author=Renaissance Man link=topic=10788.msg101163#msg101163 date=1412631643]
I know that their is a strong sentiment against blaming officials, so I guess I am asking for an onslaught of negative arrows by stating some of the things I saw on Saturday.

You're right there is strong sentiment against that.  I think you have to expect it when you go to South Bend, regardless of what conference supplies the refs.

Bottom line - when you put yourself in a position to have the game decided by the refs, you have already lost.  This game was there for the taking, and the offense stunk it up for the third time in a row against a quality opponent.
[/quote]

This is where we agree/disagree.  I agree with you if we are talking about one bad call.  I would argue that EVERY game is in a position to be decided by the refs--give me a whistle and motivation and the Stanford women's basketball team could beat the Lakers.  The officiating bias was pervasive throughout the ND game, and, I would argue, WAS the reason we were in a position to lose the game.