Kirk Herbstreit clears up controversy in Ohio State vs. Penn State game

ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit was in the broadcast booth when a controversial play occurred during the Ohio State-Penn State game. The next day, he shared his thoughts on it.

In the first quarter, Ohio State center Luke Wypler muffed a snap and Penn State appeared to recover a fumble. But the officials threw a flag and called it an illegal snap, which wiped out the turnover. The play would’ve given Penn State great field position with a chance to extend its lead.

Herbstreit, a former Ohio State quarterback, shared his thoughts on the play on Twitter on Oct. 31. He said he also thought it was a fumble at first.

I was just as surprised. Bill Lemonnier, our rules expert, made it very clear to us that it was a snap infraction. I assumed it was a fumble-he made it very clear that if the C doesn’t have control of the ball it’s a snap infraction-lean on him in areas that are new to me as well https://t.co/FblNGTZMUi

— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) November 1, 2021

“I was just as surprised,” Herbstreit tweeted. “Bill Lemonnier, our rules expert, made it very clear to us that it was a snap infraction. I assumed it was a fumble-he made it very clear that if the [center] doesn’t have control of the ball it’s a snap infraction-lean on him in areas that are new to me as well.”

Ohio State ended up punting to end the drive, meaning it didn’t hurt Penn State initially. Later on, though, the Buckeyes took a 17-7 lead into halftime after two big plays from CJ Stroud on offense and Jerron Cage on defense. They ended up winning the game 33-24 to remain undefeated in Big Ten play. It also keeps Ohio State tied with Michigan State for first place in the Big Ten East.

Now that we’re a few days out, it makes you wonder: What would’ve happened if they didn’t throw a flag?

Former NFL ref offers explanation on controversial ‘snap infraction’ during Ohio State vs. Penn State

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. Henderson added 28 carries for 152 yards and a touchdown of his own.