[lex24]

Well, looked good early. LSU just a lot better. Lawrence struggled, which didn’t help.  And then the Pac-12 officiating crew does what it does best. Blow a big call.  Not saying it would have changed outcome. But I might have had a shot to cover!!

Hats off to those who told me (and us) so!

[lex24]

Well, looked good early. LSU just a lot better. Lawrence struggled, which didn’t help.  And then the Pac-12 officiating crew does what it does best. Blow a big call.  Not saying it would have changed outcome. But I might have had a shot to cover!!

Hats off to those who told me (and us) so!

[BostonCard]

Which call?  The OPI? It was a bit tricky tacky, and there was grabbing both ways, but the receiver got a clear advantage from the exchange.  Easy to see why it was called, even if a non-call would have been defensible.

The targeting call was also tough, but he led with his crown, and the announcers were clear that the rule doesn’t say you have to make helmet-to-helmet contact.  I don’t have an issue with the rule since lowering the helmet and striking with your crown is dangerous, and players need to be taught not to do it, or the players and teams will face the consequences.  But it was a devastating blow for a Clemson defense that was already having trouble with the LSU offense.
BC

[BostonCard]

Which call?  The OPI? It was a bit tricky tacky, and there was grabbing both ways, but the receiver got a clear advantage from the exchange.  Easy to see why it was called, even if a non-call would have been defensible.

The targeting call was also tough, but he led with his crown, and the announcers were clear that the rule doesn’t say you have to make helmet-to-helmet contact.  I don’t have an issue with the rule since lowering the helmet and striking with your crown is dangerous, and players need to be taught not to do it, or the players and teams will face the consequences.  But it was a devastating blow for a Clemson defense that was already having trouble with the LSU offense.
BC

[CornFed]

Do I recall correctly that Ed Orgeron was named interim head coach at USC when Sarkasian encountered his difficulties?  Am I further correct that he did not even receive consideration to become the head coach?  And is it also true that USC has not won any national championships in football since 2004.  So Orgeron is up 1.  SC sucks!!!!

[CornFed]

Do I recall correctly that Ed Orgeron was named interim head coach at USC when Sarkasian encountered his difficulties?  Am I further correct that he did not even receive consideration to become the head coach?  And is it also true that USC has not won any national championships in football since 2004.  So Orgeron is up 1.  SC sucks!!!!

[OutsiderFan]

Best offense in college football history.

[OutsiderFan]

Best offense in college football history.

[BostonCard]

Yeah, it fills you up with schaddenfreud.

BC

[BostonCard]

Yeah, it fills you up with schaddenfreud.

BC

[needle]

My main opinion after the game is that the lousy Pac-12 refs cost Clemson a TD (BS offensive pass interference call) and also gifted LSU about 20 yards when they missed a player putting his hand out of bounds.

(While I hate to see a player penalized for a hard hit when there is no intent to injure, I guess the targeting call against Clemson's ace linebacker was the right decision, given the letter of the rule.)

But if I'm Clemson, I'm also complaining about several no calls involving LSU offensive linemen being downfield on pass plays.

[needle]

My main opinion after the game is that the lousy Pac-12 refs cost Clemson a TD (BS offensive pass interference call) and also gifted LSU about 20 yards when they missed a player putting his hand out of bounds.

(While I hate to see a player penalized for a hard hit when there is no intent to injure, I guess the targeting call against Clemson's ace linebacker was the right decision, given the letter of the rule.)

But if I'm Clemson, I'm also complaining about several no calls involving LSU offensive linemen being downfield on pass plays.

[BostonCard]

Best offense in college football history.

I agree and I brought it up when I revived the thread, but... it’s always hard comparing offenses through the eras. A lot of what the offense does wouldn’t have been legal a generation ago, and the defense would have been able to counteract it much better because of much more permissive rules on contact with receivers.  But still, hard to argue that another offense was further ahead of its peers during its era.

BC

[BostonCard]

Best offense in college football history.

I agree and I brought it up when I revived the thread, but... it’s always hard comparing offenses through the eras. A lot of what the offense does wouldn’t have been legal a generation ago, and the defense would have been able to counteract it much better because of much more permissive rules on contact with receivers.  But still, hard to argue that another offense was further ahead of its peers during its era.

BC

[Phogge]

There are not many PAC 12 players who would have a chance to start at LSU.

[Phogge]

There are not many PAC 12 players who would have a chance to start at LSU.

[OutsiderFan]

The OPI call on Higgins was really rough. Both guys were too disruptive and gained an advantage while the ball was arriving to them. We usually would see a no call in such a situation, but I don’t know why we never see offsetting PI calls. I mean, no flag and it’s a TD, which seems a bit inappropriate given the pushing by the WR. A PI on defender and it’s a TD too. Singling out the WR is a gigantic 15 yd penalty in college football which seems way to severe a penalty for what transpired. So really the only seemingly just outcome would have been offsetting PI calls, but we never see that happen. That’s what it seems to me should have been the outcome, but again, refs feel compelled to call one or the other or nothing for some reason in such situations. I’d like to see more offsetting PI calls in the future.

[OutsiderFan]

The OPI call on Higgins was really rough. Both guys were too disruptive and gained an advantage while the ball was arriving to them. We usually would see a no call in such a situation, but I don’t know why we never see offsetting PI calls. I mean, no flag and it’s a TD, which seems a bit inappropriate given the pushing by the WR. A PI on defender and it’s a TD too. Singling out the WR is a gigantic 15 yd penalty in college football which seems way to severe a penalty for what transpired. So really the only seemingly just outcome would have been offsetting PI calls, but we never see that happen. That’s what it seems to me should have been the outcome, but again, refs feel compelled to call one or the other or nothing for some reason in such situations. I’d like to see more offsetting PI calls in the future.

[Bruce Wang]

Do I recall correctly that Ed Orgeron was named interim head coach at USC when Sarkasian encountered his difficulties?  Am I further correct that he did not even receive consideration to become the head coach?  And is it also true that USC has not won any national championships in football since 2004.  So Orgeron is up 1.  SC sucks!!!!

That's right.  This is the best part of the outcome.  It must eat Toejam nation alive.  They only have themselves to blame as supposedly the condom boosters did not like his cajun accent and persona.

[Bruce Wang]

Do I recall correctly that Ed Orgeron was named interim head coach at USC when Sarkasian encountered his difficulties?  Am I further correct that he did not even receive consideration to become the head coach?  And is it also true that USC has not won any national championships in football since 2004.  So Orgeron is up 1.  SC sucks!!!!

That's right.  This is the best part of the outcome.  It must eat Toejam nation alive.  They only have themselves to blame as supposedly the condom boosters did not like his cajun accent and persona.

[GoodGrief]

Actually, Ed Orgeron replaced Ultimate Pretty Boy Lane Kiffin as USC‘s interim head coach. And I think their very next game was against us. I remember watching Ed Orgeron’s enthusiasm as he called for USC to go for it on a crucial and risky fourth down. They got it and beat us. Thank goodness USC got rid of Ed Orgeron, and if the rumor was true that they did so because he wasn’t a pretty boy like his athletic director and previous USC coaches, all the better

[GoodGrief]

Actually, Ed Orgeron replaced Ultimate Pretty Boy Lane Kiffin as USC‘s interim head coach. And I think their very next game was against us. I remember watching Ed Orgeron’s enthusiasm as he called for USC to go for it on a crucial and risky fourth down. They got it and beat us. Thank goodness USC got rid of Ed Orgeron, and if the rumor was true that they did so because he wasn’t a pretty boy like his athletic director and previous USC coaches, all the better

[Mick]

Actually, Ed Orgeron replaced Ultimate Pretty Boy Lane Kiffin as USC‘s interim head coach. And I think their very next game was against us. I remember watching Ed Orgeron’s enthusiasm as he called for USC to go for it on a crucial and risky fourth down. They got it and beat us. Thank goodness USC got rid of Ed Orgeron, and if the rumor was true that they did so because he wasn’t a pretty boy like his athletic director and previous USC coaches, all the better

You're not saying Southern Californians are superficial, are you?

[Mick]

Actually, Ed Orgeron replaced Ultimate Pretty Boy Lane Kiffin as USC‘s interim head coach. And I think their very next game was against us. I remember watching Ed Orgeron’s enthusiasm as he called for USC to go for it on a crucial and risky fourth down. They got it and beat us. Thank goodness USC got rid of Ed Orgeron, and if the rumor was true that they did so because he wasn’t a pretty boy like his athletic director and previous USC coaches, all the better

You're not saying Southern Californians are superficial, are you?

[GoodGrief]

Actually, Ed Orgeron replaced Ultimate Pretty Boy Lane Kiffin as USC‘s interim head coach. And I think their very next game was against us. I remember watching Ed Orgeron’s enthusiasm as he called for USC to go for it on a crucial and risky fourth down. They got it and beat us. Thank goodness USC got rid of Ed Orgeron, and if the rumor was true that they did so because he wasn’t a pretty boy like his athletic director and previous USC coaches, all the better

You're not saying Southern Californians are superficial, are you?

The land of actors (myself included), surely not! The funny thing is that I genuinely did not believe the USC stereotype of being spoiled rich kids. Until I moved to LA and discovered there was basis for the stereotype...

[GoodGrief]

Actually, Ed Orgeron replaced Ultimate Pretty Boy Lane Kiffin as USC‘s interim head coach. And I think their very next game was against us. I remember watching Ed Orgeron’s enthusiasm as he called for USC to go for it on a crucial and risky fourth down. They got it and beat us. Thank goodness USC got rid of Ed Orgeron, and if the rumor was true that they did so because he wasn’t a pretty boy like his athletic director and previous USC coaches, all the better

You're not saying Southern Californians are superficial, are you?

The land of actors (myself included), surely not! The funny thing is that I genuinely did not believe the USC stereotype of being spoiled rich kids. Until I moved to LA and discovered there was basis for the stereotype...

[Mick]

Actually, Ed Orgeron replaced Ultimate Pretty Boy Lane Kiffin as USC‘s interim head coach. And I think their very next game was against us. I remember watching Ed Orgeron’s enthusiasm as he called for USC to go for it on a crucial and risky fourth down. They got it and beat us. Thank goodness USC got rid of Ed Orgeron, and if the rumor was true that they did so because he wasn’t a pretty boy like his athletic director and previous USC coaches, all the better

You're not saying Southern Californians are superficial, are you?

The land of actors (myself included), surely not! The funny thing is that I genuinely did not believe the USC stereotype of being spoiled rich kids. Until I moved to LA and discovered there was basis for the stereotype...

Just as a random aside, I've noticed that when a typical american man has a midlife crisis, he seems to turn back the clock to his late 20s...gets in shape, gets a hair cut and a new wardrobe, maybe a sports car.  I've noticed that there's a brand of SoCal midlife crisis that seems to seek a spot a little bit further in the past...

I recall walking into a ball game when Mater Dei was hosting my son's school.  I fell into step next to one of the Mater Dei dads in his mid-40s.  Midlife crisis had clearly taken hold, but this guy had a spiky, dyed hair cut, soul patch under his lip, earrings, neck tattoo, muscle shirt, board shorts, Vans skateboard shoes and was carrying his transportation (a longboard skateboard).  I was wearing jeans, polo shirt, topsiders.  We looked each other up and down and we were clearly thinking the same thing..."What an a**h***."  I didn't see a USC logo, but that didn't mean it wasn't there somewhere...

[Mick]

Actually, Ed Orgeron replaced Ultimate Pretty Boy Lane Kiffin as USC‘s interim head coach. And I think their very next game was against us. I remember watching Ed Orgeron’s enthusiasm as he called for USC to go for it on a crucial and risky fourth down. They got it and beat us. Thank goodness USC got rid of Ed Orgeron, and if the rumor was true that they did so because he wasn’t a pretty boy like his athletic director and previous USC coaches, all the better

You're not saying Southern Californians are superficial, are you?

The land of actors (myself included), surely not! The funny thing is that I genuinely did not believe the USC stereotype of being spoiled rich kids. Until I moved to LA and discovered there was basis for the stereotype...

Just as a random aside, I've noticed that when a typical american man has a midlife crisis, he seems to turn back the clock to his late 20s...gets in shape, gets a hair cut and a new wardrobe, maybe a sports car.  I've noticed that there's a brand of SoCal midlife crisis that seems to seek a spot a little bit further in the past...

I recall walking into a ball game when Mater Dei was hosting my son's school.  I fell into step next to one of the Mater Dei dads in his mid-40s.  Midlife crisis had clearly taken hold, but this guy had a spiky, dyed hair cut, soul patch under his lip, earrings, neck tattoo, muscle shirt, board shorts, Vans skateboard shoes and was carrying his transportation (a longboard skateboard).  I was wearing jeans, polo shirt, topsiders.  We looked each other up and down and we were clearly thinking the same thing..."What an a**h***."  I didn't see a USC logo, but that didn't mean it wasn't there somewhere...

[Farm93]

I was happy for Ed.   And it was sweet to see the Super Dome so excited.  In the end Ed O did win one for LA.  I suspect he will win another one or two before SC gets into the CFP.

LSU's receivers were just so talented.   Clemson DBs were right there, but the LSU receivers didn't seem bothered.   No different than what happened in the semis.   LSU's offensive talent would win the day.   They scored 42, but if they needed to score they would have easily reached 56.  

The hand out of bounds was unfortunate, but LSU was quick to snap.   SMART.

The WR/DB battle was going to be a tough call.   Fouls on both would have removed the TD too.  The referee commentator noted that one way to approach that would be to call it on the player that gained an advantage.   No doubt the Clemson's WR gained an advantage.   Clemson's WR also was first to grab and had both hands on the DBs shoulder pads.    That's too much.    No problem with that call IMHO.

The targeting was an easy call, and the right call.   Far less intentional targeting has resulted in ejections throughout the season.   

It is tough for a bunch of old guys to officiate a game with that much speed and talent.   There were many games throughout the bowl season that had far weaker displays of officiating.  The refs were fine.   LSU would have won that game even if all three questionable calls went Clemson's way.

[Farm93]

I was happy for Ed.   And it was sweet to see the Super Dome so excited.  In the end Ed O did win one for LA.  I suspect he will win another one or two before SC gets into the CFP.

LSU's receivers were just so talented.   Clemson DBs were right there, but the LSU receivers didn't seem bothered.   No different than what happened in the semis.   LSU's offensive talent would win the day.   They scored 42, but if they needed to score they would have easily reached 56.  

The hand out of bounds was unfortunate, but LSU was quick to snap.   SMART.

The WR/DB battle was going to be a tough call.   Fouls on both would have removed the TD too.  The referee commentator noted that one way to approach that would be to call it on the player that gained an advantage.   No doubt the Clemson's WR gained an advantage.   Clemson's WR also was first to grab and had both hands on the DBs shoulder pads.    That's too much.    No problem with that call IMHO.

The targeting was an easy call, and the right call.   Far less intentional targeting has resulted in ejections throughout the season.   

It is tough for a bunch of old guys to officiate a game with that much speed and talent.   There were many games throughout the bowl season that had far weaker displays of officiating.  The refs were fine.   LSU would have won that game even if all three questionable calls went Clemson's way.