Regarding Syracuse and penalties

Oct 24, 2022, 3:09 PM

I want to say I am shocked by all of the outrage, both from Syracuse and nationally, about the game and how Clemson was "gifted" a victory. That word, gifted, is from a Syracuse grad who is a media friend of mine who is downright angry over the outcome. But I was not shocked. It's a passionate game, with passionate fans and players and coaches, and we all overreact at times.

Me? I just don't look at penalties at this big deciding factor most of the time, because you've got 60 minutes to try and win the game. Both teams had chances to put it away - Clemson couldn't because of turnovers, and Syracuse had chances late but clock management issues from their head coach and an interception by their QB ended it. Also....the Orange had several chances to put Clemson away, up 21-10, and didn't do it.

A guy who covers NC State decided to take it upon himself to interject the fact that Clemson was helped by the ACC office, that there was no way the ACC would let Clemson lose, and that Clemson gets all the calls.

Let's take a look at that fallacy - heading into the game, Clemson was sixth in Power Five of fewest holding penalties called against opposing offenses (I think there were two all year). Yes, with XT and Murphy and KJ and TD and Ruke and Bresee and all that talent - sixth-fewest called against. Someone said maybe one since Wake Forest, which is nuts to me). Here is another great stat - Clemson has been called for 6.3 penalties per game this season, as opposed to 6.4 for opponents. So, the same.

Now, Syracuse...that crew is one of the most penalized teams in the nation at nearly 10 per game. They were gonna get called, especially after just two in the first half, because their numbers say that is who they are. And look, you can call holding on every play. On Clemson. On opponents. But when you have a guy get past you and you get him in a chokehold and ride him like the worst cowboy ever at the rodeo, it's gonna get called. And on the out of bounds play where many people feel like Garrett Shrader should have drawn a personal foul penalty, there were at least two instances of holding.

It goes on all game. Both sides benefitted from calls. Both sides had calls go against them, both good and bad. That's where we go back to 60 minutes of football. I ran into Mark Packer after the game, and I will use a phrase he likes to use a lot - score more points. Don't let the officials dictate it. Score more points.

Blaming officials is an easy rallying cry when you get beat. And it's lazy. And should be beneath some of the people commenting. But that's where we are. Headed to get my kid a Halloween costume - maybe I should make him an ACC official and scare some of the other teams.

flag link

military_tech

thumb_down

thumb_up

Regarding Syracuse and penalties

TigerBoard POTD