Eagles tried pulling a Vanderbilt on the Redskins

[Deeeefense]

Anyone that watched this game may have noticed the Eagles attempted to "hide" a player on the sideline on a punt return. They placed another return man on the opposite side of the field hoping to attract the coverage team. The punter kicked to the other side when the hidden player appeared and fielded the ball. While the Redskins were apparently smart enough to cover, the Eagles were penalize for not having a player "inside the numbers". Apparently that's the pro rule, but I can only assume that isn't the case in college ball or else Vanderbilt would not have been allowed the TD and UK would probably be playing in some bowl game this week.

Maybe some rules geek like WildCard can clarify the college rule vs. the pro rule on hiding players?

 

[ukats22]

Anyone that watched this game may have noticed the Eagles attempted to "hide" a player on the sideline on a punt return. They placed another return man on the opposite side of the field hoping to attract the coverage team. The punter kicked to the other side when the hidden player appeared and fielded the ball. While the Redskins were apparently smart enough to cover, the Eagles were penalize for not having a player "inside the numbers". Apparently that's the pro rule, but I can only assume that isn't the case in college ball or else Vanderbilt would not have been allowed the TD and UK would probably be playing in some bowl game this week.

Maybe some rules geek like WildCard can clarify the college rule vs. the pro rule on hiding players?

Rules geek here.

The Vandy player that lined up by the sidelines actually ran inside the numbers as the ball was put into play. Then acted like he was not suppose to be in, and ran back towards the sideline and stayed put on the field.

We were not organized enough to recognize either by player or coach on sideline or able to relay from box to field to defend this set.

At all levels, a player must be inside the numbers during ready for play, then he can move outside the numbers.

Dave

 

[Deeeefense]

Thanks Dave - mystery solved [thumb2]

 

[EliteBlue]

Yeah, the Vandy guy was standing inside the numbers during their huddle for the tomeout. He was about 5-10 yards from the rest of the team. As the huddle broke and the team jogged back to their positions the receiver jogged to the sideline and squatted with his back towards the field. It was very good execution and a great coachin move.

 

[Gabewcat]

That tr8ick play illustrated UK's dis-organization of the coaching staff. It cost us the Vandy game and ultimately a Bowl game. Somebody was asleep in the press box and whoever that was should be fired.

 

[BBBLazing]

That tr8ick play illustrated UK's dis-organization of the coaching staff. It cost us the Vandy game and ultimately a Bowl game. Somebody was asleep in the press box and whoever that was should be fired.

One problem is that there is no radio communication between the press box/sideline and the players on the field in college like there is in the NFL. At least that is my understanding. So, once Vandy sets up the play, UK was stuck yelling from the sidelines and may or may not get heard. While I agree that we flat got tricked and maybe the coaches should have told our players to watch for such a play, there is responsibility on our players for having been tricked. Isn't there a "captain" on defense that gives a look to make sure everyone is covered? Don't the DBs have to check to make sure someone is not outside of the defensive formation on the field?

 

[zannmann]

The Vandy player actually stepped out of bounds when he took off. Pass should have not counted.

 

[ukats22]

One problem is that there is no radio communication between the press box/sideline and the players on the field in college like there is in the NFL. At least that is my understanding. So, once Vandy sets up the play, UK was stuck yelling from the sidelines and may or may not get heard. While I agree that we flat got tricked and maybe the coaches should have told our players to watch for such a play, there is responsibility on our players for having been tricked. Isn't there a "captain" on defense that gives a look to make sure everyone is covered? Don't the DBs have to check to make sure someone is not outside of the defensive formation on the field?

Time Out would have been the call from the sideline to stop that play. It didn't happen because per usual our sideline is more like a chineese fire drill then a well disciplined staff and a well organized team.