02 November 2015

A truly extraordinary football play


Eight laterals on the final play of the game to score the winning touchdown.

9 comments:

  1. Unfortunately for Duke, it appears a knee was down at one point and there was also a block in the back that the refs missed. The ACC didn't waste time suspending these refs which doesn't happen that often. Also, the final score cannot be overturned even if it is determined there were mistakes made after the fact. Too bad considering Duke has been playing good FOOTball the last couple years......

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  2. So here in Australia doing this sort of thing is a normal part of play for all three football codes (AFL, Rugby League and Rugby Union). Can someone sort of ELI5 why doing 8 'laterals' is such a big deal?

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    1. It's just a big deal because hardly anyone ever uses the lateral since the forward pass is allowed. An additional part of what makes this such a big deal is that there was some VERY poor officiating during the play. So poor in fact that they've suspended the referees. I'm not sure how much different AFL is from the NFL or NCAA, but as stated above, with the forward pass the need for laterals just kind of isn't there. Hope that helped a little bit!

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    2. Oh ok, thanks. In AFL anyone can do forward passes and kicks at any point, but they still do lateral and backwards ones regularly too. In League and Union you are not allowed to pass the ball forwards, only backwards or sideways. The only way to move forward is to hold the ball and run with it until you are tackled.

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  3. The forward pass is allowed, but isn't the quarterback the only person who can use it?

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    1. Anyone on offense can throw the ball forward as long as the line of scrimmage hasn't been crossed by the ball (the halfback pass and quarterback throwback plays take advantage of this) or if the ball has already been passed forward.. The forward pass cannot be used by the defense. The ball also cannot be thrown forward on kickoff and punt returns.

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    2. Nope, the QB can lateral/pitch the ball to a running back or a wide receiver (or anyone behind the line of scrimmage and most importantly behind himself) and that person can forward pass to an eligible receiver downfield.

      i.e. 'half back pass' or 'wide receiver pass'

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    3. V, apparently we were commenting at the same time!

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  4. Looks like really disorganised rugby.


    I assume this isn't a popular approach? The players certainly don't look like they've planned it!

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