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Expert: - 11/21/2006


Question
During the Ohio State, Michigan game 11/18, Ohio State was called for a pass interferance call. There was no contact, but I was told it was because the defender did not look back. Is that the rule?

Answer
The Pass interference rules in college require there be contact.  The fact that the DB did not play the ball does come into play but contact is an element of the PI rules.  I have seen the play you ask about.  At real time and at real speed I question whether it was a good call.  Watching it in slow motion from one TV angle I suspect there may have been an Arm Bar.  This would technically a DPI call as called.

The BJ called the foul. There was no TV angle shown from that view so I can not tell you if it was truly DPI, but the BJ was in position and he is a top notch official so I defer to his judgement.  But there must be contact for PI.

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Vic Winnek

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