Former NFL refs explains controversial 'snap infraction' call in Penn State vs Ohio State

Just before the end of the first quarter against Penn State, the Ohio State Buckeyes had a penalty go in their favor that could have potentially changed the momentum of the game. On the last play of the quarter, an illegal procedure penalty saved the Buckeyes from committing a costly turnover.

On a third-and-2 from their own 26-yard line, Ohio State freshman center Luke Wypler attempted to snap the ball and failed. The ball rolled on the ground, never making it to quarterback CJ Stroud. It was recovered by the Penn State defense for what appeared to be a game-changing turnover. Except the officials deemed that it was an illegal snap by the center and because the ball was not properly snapped, the play resulted in a penalty and not a turnover.

Sunday Night Football rules expert and retired NFL referee Terry McAuley explained why it was the correct call made by the officials.

“A play must begin with a legal snap, which requires the ball to be ‘handed or pass backwards in one continuous motion.’ The video shows the center just pushes the ball back with his fingers with no control at all,” wrote McAulay on Twitter. “This is not a legal snap and the play was correctly shut down.”

Had it not been ruled a dead ball foul, allowing Penn State the turnover, the Nittany Lions would have taken over deep in the Buckeyes territory. And with them already up 7-3, it could have put Ohio State in a hole. But that is a what-if scenario, and those do not win games. However, what does win games is great play from your key players. Which is what the Buckeyes got from Stroud and fellow freshman Treveyon Henderson. Stroud was 22 of 34 for 305 passing yards and threw one touchdown for the game. And Henderson added 28 carries for 152 yards and a touchdown of his own.

Buckeyes keep rolling

For Penn State and Ohio State fans, there is no need to dwell on the what if. And Nittany Lion fans cannot blame this call on the referees as they got it correct.

Ohio State is still in control of their College Football Playoff destiny. Coming into the week, they were the second-highest ranked one last team behind the Alabama Crimson Tide. With only four games and a conference championship game remaining, the Buckeyes could bounce back from the week 2 loss to the Oregon Ducks and represent the Big 10 in the playoffs. For now, they must focus on their next opponent, the 3-6 Nebraska Cornhuskers.