Indisputable Visual Evidence: Horse Collar

In the waning moments of the 3rd quarter Ndamukong Suh was flagged for a horse collar tackle on Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert. Instead of facing 3rd and 5, the 15-yard penalty extended Missouri's drive into Nebraska territory. (Thankfully, that drive stalled when Missouri failed to convert on 4th and 20 at the NU 32 yard line.) The question remained (at our watch party at least). Was it a horse collar? The NCAA is emphasizing the rule this year. So, let's dust off the old rule book for clarification. The NCAA Football 2009 Rules and Interpretations says in Section 1, Article 2, Rule 2-34: All players are prohibited from grabbing the inside back collar of the shoulder pads or jersey, or the inside collar of the side of the shoulder pads or jersey, and immediately pulling the ball carrier down. Suh clearly had a hold of Gabbert's jersey, but never grabbed the inside collar of the jersey or shoulder pads. There were a number of questionable officiating c...