Nebraska Cornhuskers linebacker Garrett Nelson (left) celebrates with linebacker Caleb Tannor after a stop against the Michigan Wolverines during the first quarter at Memorial Stadium. Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports

Nebraska called for unusual ‘disconcerting signals’ penalty

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 10/9/21

Nebraska was called for an unusual foul during Saturday night’s game against Michigan.

The Wolverines had a second-and-five at their 29 with around seven minutes left in the second quarter. One of their offensive linemen moved, causing Nebraska’s defense to point out the movement to the officials. However, there was a reason the lineman moved.

Nebraska linebacker Luke Reimer was clapping on defense, which likely confused Michigan’s offense.

A penalty flag was thrown and Reimer was called for “using disconcerting signals.”

Nebraska LB Luke Reimer called for disconcerting signals for clapping pic.twitter.com/SYnIvColOD

— Larry Brown Sports (@larrybrownsport) October 10, 2021

The disconcerting signals penalty was categorized as a delay of game violation, which gave Michigan five yards and a first down as a result.

Defenses are not allowed to use non-football moves by linemen to try and trigger a false start. They are not allowed to clap either, as that is something only offenses can do.

The penalty is a newer one now that so many offenses use no-huddle offenses.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: