This was a great trick play that capped Clemson's 21-0 disaster in the first quarter. Sorry for...

This was a great trick play that capped Clemson's 21-0 disaster in the first quarter. Sorry for the video quality. GT WR #8 Thomas either comes into the game at the last second or just never steps off the field when the offense runs off (more likely). This seems like it's right on the edges of the rulebook. Someone who knows more about the rules on illegal shifts and substitutions should explain.

Another thing that makes this play so great is that GT just scored on a fake FG punt by Clemson (which was just so so stupid). Clemson ended up tying the game but they would have won if not for those two absolutely brain-dead touchdowns.

2 months ago Horn Brain 16 comments 0 recs |

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As far as the illegal shifts and substitutions, as long as he wasn’t moving and didn’t leave the field, it doesn’t matter. He’s treated just like a wide receiver in a normal offensive set.

by horn'13 on Sep 11, 2009 11:54 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Good God GT's Secondary was Awful

The Clemson frosh just kept bombing on them. Wow. The Jackets are going to get creamed when they play against a team with an experienced QB.

by iamjackburton on Sep 11, 2009 12:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

i wouldn't say that...

..you keep throwing bombs to speedsters like CJ Spiller and Jacoby Ford, you’re bound to hit. I just think they let up on the gas, and let them almost take the game. They got away from running it, and try to throw too much.

by vy til i die on Sep 11, 2009 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Let's face it, the triple option won't work against a good team

Clemson figured it out fast enough. By the second quarter GT was barely moving the ball.

by iamjackburton on Sep 11, 2009 12:09 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

true...

…but they have to set up the run before they start passing like they did. Last year’s game against Georgia showed how good it can be run. I think if teams don’t have week’s (like LSU did) to prepare for it, they can run it successfully.

by vy til i die on Sep 11, 2009 12:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Correction

A triple option team with a lazy O-line can’t win against a good team.

proud to swim home

by learned hand on Sep 11, 2009 1:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Comically wrong

Don’t tell that to any of the Nebraska players who helped create that dynasty in the 90’s, or any of the other teams in the past that have used it to win national championships. The triple option is no different than any other offense, in that with the right personnel and execution, it will be successful. There is nothing inherent in the flexbone that makes it incapable of being properly executed at the highest levels. Outside of the middle of the game when GT decided to stop playing hard and Johnson started stupidly calling pass plays the offense worked out fine. Also, Clemson’s D is structured very well for stopping an offense like that, so give them some credit for playing hard.

If you're so sure of what it ain't, how about telling us what it am!

by circa1015 on Sep 11, 2009 2:32 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

To elaborate...

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/andy_staples/09/09/georgia-tech/index.html

If you're so sure of what it ain't, how about telling us what it am!

by circa1015 on Sep 11, 2009 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

nice

How exciting for that kicker! He’ll remember that TD pass forever.

by crocodile235 on Sep 11, 2009 12:19 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Rule 7-1 Snapping and passing the ball

From NCAA Rulebook

As far as shifting, there’s no foul if the team comes to position before the snap. This would be interpreted in the same manner as a formation shift.

ARTICLE 4. a. If a snap is preceded by a huddle or shift, all players of the
offensive team must come to an absolute stop and remain stationary in their
positions, without movement of the feet, body, head or arms, for at least one
full second before the ball is snapped (A.R. 7-1-4-I) [S20].

The trickery here is in the “substitution”, or lack thereof. From Article 3…

2. (a) Each substitute of Team A shall have been between the nine-yard
marks. Team A players who participated in the previous down
shall have been between the nine-yard marks after the previous
down and before the next snap (A.R. 3-3-4-III and IV) [S19].

Reads to me that if the receiver was between the hash marks and then pretended to head off-field, he’s ok as long as he never reaches the sidelines. All substituting players must get between the hashes before the snap and they’re in the clear too.

by gwh65 on Sep 11, 2009 12:41 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I knew there was something like that

To keep guys from just jumping in from the sidelines right before the play starts. So Thomas must have just never left the field. Thanks, gwh65.

by Horn Brain on Sep 11, 2009 12:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

yeah...espn had a good view of it...

…he was w/ the group leaving, but stopped short of the sideline

by vy til i die on Sep 11, 2009 1:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly

The appearance was that of the entire offense being subbed for the kicking team, but actually 10 guys walked off the field and 10 guys came on, with Thomas just stopping at the sideline. I’m still surprised that nobody saw him out there, but then again I’m sure if you are on Clemson’s D at that moment you aren’t too concerned with scanning the field for players. It was perfectly executed.

If you're so sure of what it ain't, how about telling us what it am!

by circa1015 on Sep 11, 2009 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Coaches generally notify referees about such plays

to keep from surprising them, usually giving them player numbers and how their particular play works. Then the ref just has to make sure the procedure – nine-yard rule, on-or-off the LOS and being set – are followed for it to be legal.

Hide out plays incredibly entertaining. I once saw Rice pull one on Houston and the receiver didn’t have anyone within 50 yards – it became a question if the Rice QB could throw it that far.

by whills on Sep 11, 2009 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs