Defense Offsides

[FanbaseSucks]

Quick question...
Lastnight a MSU defense lineman committed a offsides penalty as the ball was being snapped. This play was called dead and my question was is the "free play" still around or is it always blown dead now? Thanks in advance.

 

[Gary4UK]

You have to hike the ball when the defense jumps offside and go through with the play, but yea, the play is still a free play.... We didn't take advantage...

 

[sensible]

The defensive lineman came into the neutral zone and Toth (our center) snapped the ball on his own initiative. This guarantees five yards and he is coached to make this play.

Kentucky did not "fail to take advantage".

 

[Comebakatz3]

They seem to call this play dead much more often than they used to. They still have the free play but I guess if the defensive lineman gets too much of an advantage they blow it dead so the quarterback doesn't get hit.

 

[dallasg23]

Once contact is made it is blown dead. Now if the guy was just caught in the neutral zone that's different. He made contact with our OLine prior to the ball being snapped therefore it is a dead ball penalty.

 

[DCFseattle]

They blew it dead because he was unabated to the quarterback. If you don't kill the play in a situation like that, somebody could get hurt.

 

[jauk11]

Excellent question, and I no longer have a rules book handy.

All I know is I hate the rule where an OL has an eye twitch and they stop the game when NO advantage has been gained, in my day for a while it was only called if the
DL immediately responded to it and encrouched, more judgement calls for officials but what is one more when every play has dozens. Way too many fouls today IMO, no harm no foul should be a guideline, I particularly hate all the defensive PI calls where Superman could barely touch the ball, and if he did he would be five yards out of bounds.

And yes, they still have the "free play". another travesty IMO, penalize the D but don;t give the O a free shot.

 

[brianpoe]

Just to add...

I'll never understand how the damn nose guard can ever be offsides.

I get pissed even when the opponent does it. The ball is 6 inches from your face!!!!

 

[Beatle Bum]

The defensive lineman came into the neutral zone and Toth (our center) snapped the ball on his own initiative. This guarantees five yards and he is coached to make this play.

Kentucky did not "fail to take advantage".

I am always surprised that centers don't catch this more often.

Talking penalties, UK had 2 for 20 yards on the night. That is a pretty good night.

 

[orlandocatfan_rivals383321]

I THINK the rule is if a DL jumping into the line of scrimmage and it causes movement on the OL in reaction, it is an offsides call. I don't think contact has to be made and I don't think the center has to snap the ball. I think the ref said the penalty was before the snap.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[ukats22]

Correct, if the movement into the neutral zone by a defensive player and it causes the offense to move as a reaction, it is encroachment and 5 yards for the offense.

There is no unabated to the qb call in college or high school. Plus in high school once either side is in the neutral zone the play is dead and a penalty is enforced against the guilty side.

Dave