So who here wants Notre Dame to win Saturday?

FLASHWOK said:
I just think that he's had 8 years since the last NC and Michigan isn't a program that likes to be standing still and I think that's where they are right now.

A new young coach who's exuberant and who relates better to the players might be just what Michigan needs...maybe dip into the pros for a good coach or something ...it seems to work pretty well ;)
Yeah Carroll's done wonders for you guys.
 
redland said:
Yeah Carroll's done wonders for you guys.

yeah TBH I shudder to think what would have happened to us without him


the key was recruiting...he put up a wall around the LA area keeping most of the most talented players in the area and Cali in L.A. and grabbing great recruits from places like Florid and Jersey etc.

if people love a coach, they'll want to play for him...simple as that.


I've always felt Michigan has recruited well based on tradition and pride and and in spite of as opposed to thanks to Carr.
 
I wish Tom Osbourne was back at Nebraska. Oh, those were the days . . .
 
Carr is 15-5 against ranked opponents...can't see him getting fired.

BTW, what a lucky win for USC. Was a great game, but I only saw the final 90 seconds or so. Got lucky on the 4th and 8 when the ND CB somehow flapped and missed the pass to Jarrett. Then Leinart making a stupid decision to run to the end zone from about 8 yards out butfortune shined when the ball was knocked out of bounds. And then Leinart deciding to sneak instead of speaking (and Carroll said it was Leinart's decision, not his) and ND initially stopping him but Leinart rolling to his left and falling in. That was a good move by Leinart, but shoddy ND tackling (questionable call that is being celebrated today but very easily could have been second guessed had ND tackled). In that situation, the defense must make the tackle, especially after the initial stop behind the line.

Credit for the comeback. But is USC luck soon to run out? You'll think different, but either UT or VaTech would give USC a great game and an upset wouldn't be a surprise. You'll say different, but I'll also point out at how you stated ND is crap and had beaten "four distinctly average teams." So what does that say about USC barely scraping by?
 
MrMarcello said:
Carr is 15-5 against ranked opponents...can't see him getting fired.

BTW, what a lucky win for USC. Was a great game, but I only saw the final 90 seconds or so.

so how do you know it was a great game? :)


Got lucky on the 4th and 8 when the ND CB somehow flapped and missed the pass to Jarrett.

he didn't flap...he didn't look back because he was legally face guarding...it was a perfect pass on a routine play that Leinart and jarrett run.

Then Leinart making a stupid decision to run to the end zone from about 8 yards out butfortune shined when the ball was knocked out of bounds. And then Leinart deciding to sneak instead of speaking (and Carroll said it was Leinart's decision, not his) and ND initially stopping him but Leinart rolling to his left and falling in.

Reggie Bush pushed him in...he didn't just fall in.

That was a good move by Leinart, but shoddy ND tackling (questionable call that is being celebrated today but very easily could have been second guessed had ND tackled).

true, but it was a guts call, like Nebraska going for two against miami in the orange bowl for the win instead of the tie


In that situation, the defense must make the tackle, especially after the initial stop behind the line.

how do they make the tackle when their entire defense was pushed two yards into the end zone? Leinart was stuck behind his blockers and when he rolled off of them the ND Linebacker came up to hit him and then reggie bush pushed him over the goal line...so a 230 pound linebacker vs. a falling 235 pound QB being pushed over by a 200 pound running back with a five yard head start.

Credit for the comeback. But is USC luck soon to run out? You'll think different, but either UT or VaTech would give USC a great game and an upset wouldn't be a surprise.

ND's offense is distinctly better than both Texas and Va Tech, even though both their defenses are better. also, there is no rivalry between us and tex or va tech. the game will be at a neutral site if USC texas or va tech reaches it and USC most certainly has the advantage in huge game experience as well as coaching. I'lltake Carroll over Mack Brown any day. (and beamer over mack Brown as well)


You'll say different, but I'll also point out at how you stated ND is crap and had beaten "four distinctly average teams." So what does that say about USC barely scraping by?

I still stand completely by what I said...Notre Dame played so far above themselves and their talent level it was ridiculous.

with rivalry games, records and talent levels go out the window...USC completely overmatched UCLA last year, but the game was a 5 point difference.
 
mathiaslg said:
Give Notre Dame credit Flash, they are better than you make them out to be.

I have ranked them number 10 in my poll which they deserve to be, putting them ahead of a couple of one loss teams.

but they played better against us than they did in any of their games this season.


and next season, you will see what happens when the full impact of Ty Willingham's terrible recruiting comes to bear.

Weis may indeed bring them back, but their success this year is based on his coaching, since it is the same team that was total crap last year.

they lose 10 seniors on offense ( starters and top backups) and 9(starters and top backups) on defense.

Weis will undoubtedly do better in recruiting than Willingham, but don't forget, Willingham won 10 games his first season too. ;)
 
FLASHWOK said:
and next season, you will see what happens when the full impact of Ty Willingham's terrible recruiting comes to bear.

Weis may indeed bring them back, but their success this year is based on his coaching, since it is the same team that was total crap last year.

they lose 10 seniors on offense ( starters and top backups) and 9(starters and top backups) on defense.

Weis will undoubtedly do better in recruiting than Willingham, but don't forget, Willingham won 10 games his first season too. ;)

If ND's success this year has everything to do with Weis's coaching, what makes you think things will get worse next year--even when the " full impact of Ty Willingham's terrible recruiting comes to bear?" I mean, Weis will have had, virtually one complete year to bring in the people he wants (I don't really count last year since he got off to a late start). Needless to say, one good recruiting class can make a world of difference. Now, I highly doubt it will put them over the top, but I think Notre Dame will be an even better team next year than it is this season.
 
mathiaslg said:
If ND's success this year has everything to do with Weis's coaching, what makes you think things will get worse next year--even when the " full impact of Ty Willingham's terrible recruiting comes to bear?" I mean, Weis will have had, virtually one complete year to bring in the people he wants (I don't really count last year since he got off to a late start). Needless to say, one good recruiting class can make a world of difference. Now, I highly doubt it will put them over the top, but I think Notre Dame will be an even better team next year than it is this season.


because either way, ND still isn't getting the athletes they used to get...coaching can only go so far.

ND loses three starting senior offensive lineman and two senior backups.

they lose Stovall, McKnight and Shelton from the reciving corps...Smardzjia returns, but they have no other experienced receivers and no top receivers have been recruited in the past two to three years.

they return Walker but Powers-Neal Leaves.

Brady Quinn will be back in all likelihood for his senior year.


on defense, they lose two of their top lineman and their two top linebackers, not to mention three top backups. their secondary which has not been good loses one starter and two key backups.


their recruiting class for this year(weis's first) already has twenty recruits in it, but only two are considered in the top 100 players in the country. the remaining 6 or 7 (they are losing a huge senior class) are all they can sign and the vast majority of the top 100 H.S. players are not considering the Irish.

they should have a much better recruiting year than they had under Willingham, but facts are they aren't getting the same athletes they used to, one because of ND's academic standars, and two because as great as their history is, it doesn't mean as much anymore to kids who weren't born the last time ND won a championship.

they will have a very tough time next year.
 
FLASHWOK said:
because either way, ND still isn't getting the athletes they used to get...coaching can only go so far.

they should have a much better recruiting year than they had under Willingham, but facts are they aren't getting the same athletes they used to, one because of ND's academic standars, and two because as great as their history is, it doesn't mean as much anymore to kids who weren't born the last time ND won a championship.

they will have a very tough time next year.

Their opponents next year will be tough (hell, they are almost always tough), but their most difficult games (bar against USC) will be at home.

And, while they have not been getting the fast, strong morons that USC and Miami etc... get each and every year (;)), Weis will certainly improve the standard of their recruiting. They were what, 27th last year according to Scout.com? At present, they are ranked 4th, which isn't bad at all. Now, they are losing quite a few starters (and high backups), but Weis will address those losses.
 
mathiaslg said:
Their opponents next year will be tough (hell, they are almost always tough), but their most difficult games (bar against USC) will be at home.

their two toughest games this year were at home (USC and Michigan State) and they haven't won a home game yet this year. ;)

And, while they have not been getting the fast, strong morons that USC and Miami etc... get each and every year (;)), Weis will certainly improve the standard of their recruiting. They were what, 27th last year according to Scout.com? At present, they are ranked 4th, which isn't bad at all. Now, they are losing quite a few starters (and high backups), but Weis will address those losses.

yeah they are 4th right now...but that doesn't really matter...signing day is february...Flordia State for example is always around number 20 this time of the year and they always finish top 5

USC has only 5 recruits at the moments while Notre Dame has 20...by February we'll have about 20 tremendous recruits.

ND might wind up top 10 iftheir lucky.
 
FLASHWOK said:
yeah they are 4th right now...but that doesn't really matter...signing day is february...Flordia State for example is always around number 20 this time of the year and they always finish top 5

USC has only 5 recruits at the moments while Notre Dame has 20...by February we'll have about 20 tremendous recruits.

ND might wind up top 10 iftheir lucky.

It isn't signing date yet, but once again, they are much better off this year than they have been for a while.
 
mathiaslg said:
It isn't signing date yet, but once again, they are much better off this year than they have been for a while.

you have to look at the recruiting stats a bit more closely mat ;)

http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=15&p=9&c=14&yr=2006


they only have one 5 star player, 5, 4 star players and a ton of average 3 star players.

compare them to teams that so far have a comparable member of signees, such as georgia and texas etc.

they aren't really in the running for most of the top talent.

they got a great cornerback Darrin Walls, but I don't see them grabbing anyone else really significant, though they definitely have a much better chance with weis in the future then they ever did with Willingham who was known for being allof and detached with recruits and that reputation really stuck.

Weis has NFL credibility and that speaks loudly with recruits.

next year might be a big year for them.
 
FLASHWOK said:
you have to look at the recruiting stats a bit more closely mat ;)

http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=15&p=9&c=14&yr=2006


they only have one 5 star player, 5, 4 star players and a ton of average 3 star players.

compare them to teams that so far have a comparable member of signees, such as georgia and texas etc.

they aren't really in the running for most of the top talent.

they got a great cornerback Darrin Walls, but I don't see them grabbing anyone else really significant, though they definitely have a much better chance with weis in the future then they ever did with Willingham who was known for being allof and detached with recruits and that reputation really stuck.

Weis has NFL credibility and that speaks loudly with recruits.

next year might be a big year for them.

I have read the stats, and as I said, compared to previous years, they are recruiting quite well (perhaps you should both look a little more closely at the stats and make up your mind about whether next year will be big for them or not). They also have a decent shot of getting at least 1 other 5 Star player. Besides, these 5,4,3 star ratings don't necessarily prove to be entirely accurate--Reggie Bush, for instance, was only a 4 Star and he is the best player in College football.
 
mathiaslg said:
I have read the stats, and as I said, compared to previous years, they are recruiting quite well (perhaps you should both look a little more closely at the stats and make up your mind about whether next year will be big for them). They also have a decent shot of getting at least 1 other 5 Star player. Besides, these 5,4,3 star ratings don't necessarily prove to be entirely accurate--Reggie Bush, for instance, was only a 4 Star and he is the best player in College football.

which other five star player? Konrad Reuland the Tight End? McCoy? Young? Caroufel? they are going to have a tough time getting them.

Reggie was a five star on every other service...he was only dropped to four star because scout didn't have a category for "all purpose" back as opposed to running back.


and yes compared to years past ATM they are doing better but we'll see where they wind up after signing day...

recruiting rank - ND

2002 - 13
2003 - 5
2004 - 30
2005 - 27

note that the class they got in 2003 that was ranked so highly, has not really produced too many great players other than Quinn and Smarjdzia.

also the reason why that class was so highly ranked was because it reaped the benefits of Willingham's first year which was a 10 win season after the horror of the Bob Davie years.
 
mathiaslg said:
It is not as though I actually care, I just think Weis is going to do good things for ND.


i don't disagree with you...I think he will too, but not next year. He needs two great recruiting classes. he's halfway there.

when he finally gets that squad for 2007 he'll have to break in a new QB though.

Weis is a great offensive coach, we know that...ND does have problems on defense though and he needs a top Defensive coach to come in.
 
FLASHWOK said:
I have ranked them number 10 in my poll which they deserve to be, putting them ahead of a couple of one loss teams.

So if you feel they are not a good side (prior to Saturday's game) and only credit their 4 wins as a result of poor opposition, how do you rate them top 10?

Your biased viewing is earily similar to Stamford Bridge's view that Drogba is a quality striker and wouldn't swap him for Henry.


FLASHWOK said:
Weis will undoubtedly do better in recruiting than Willingham, but don't forget, Willingham won 10 games his first season too.

And that was with Bob Davies last recruiting class.
 
FLASHWOK said:
their recruiting class for this year(weis's first) already has twenty recruits in it, but only two are considered in the top 100 players in the country. the remaining 6 or 7 (they are losing a huge senior class) are all they can sign and the vast majority of the top 100 H.S. players are not considering the Irish.

they should have a much better recruiting year than they had under Willingham, but facts are they aren't getting the same athletes they used to, one because of ND's academic standars, and two because as great as their history is, it doesn't mean as much anymore to kids who weren't born the last time ND won a championship.

they will have a very tough time next year.

Do you honestly think recruiting 1-2 of the top 5-10 rated High School players at every position is the difference in winning versus losing? Then explain how schools like VaTech, Louisville, Marshall, Purdue, Oregon, etc., have very competitive teams, annually competing for conference championships and top bowls. It's a mixture of class athletes, players with lesser talent that play great as a unit, and the coaching. A school like USC or Miami that enjoys a 3-5 year top 5 recruiting class will most likely win 11-13 games each season, but getting the top recruits does not guarantee success or championships. There are dozens of top recruits that never make it at the collegiate level, and some even lose depth spots to walk-ons.
 
mathiaslg said:
Besides, these 5,4,3 star ratings don't necessarily prove to be entirely accurate--Reggie Bush, for instance, was only a 4 Star and he is the best player in College football.

Exactly. Ricky Williams wasn't heavily recruited coming out of High School, yet he went on to win the Heisman. Not sure what he was 'rated' ( :lol: ) but probably not a 4 or 5 star player. Then there is Ron Pawlus, who may have been the only 6 star player ever departing high school. What did he achieve?
 
MrMarcello said:
So if you feel they are not a good side (prior to Saturday's game) and only credit their 4 wins as a result of poor opposition, how do you rate them top 10? [B/]

very simple, based on their tough play rather than talent, they have earned my respect because they played a completely emotional game which is rare, far above their talent level... it still doesn't mean they are a great team.

they tried every emotional trick in the book vs. us, from the green jerseys, to growing the grass ankle high to slow us down, (which ended up injuring a key player for us and a key player for them, both untouched)to a 40,000 person pep rally bringing back just about every Notre dame player who has played. to sending three hundred students to taunt pete carroll and the SC players etc.



Your biased viewing is earily similar to Stamford Bridge's view that Drogba is a quality striker and wouldn't swap him for Henry.


whether or not you are biased is something you may wish to view. there opposition was extremely poor...surely even you couldn't disagree that Pittsburgh, Washington are both dreadfull squads and Purdue, mediocre at best and a distinctly below usual par Michigan squad with three losses, who did not have their star running back or both offensive tackles for their game?




whether or not Drogba is a quality striker is up for debate. there is no doubt however he is effective at what he does.

and as for Notre Dame, no i still don't think they are a great team, they have lost bost games they have played, both at home and both against top competition. that said, Notre Dame has played tougher teams than Texas has. which is a fact.



And that was with Bob Davies last recruiting class.


indeed, and Davie did have some good recruits because although he sucked his tenure began when NOtre Dame was still in the 90s
 
FLASHWOK said:
that's what they said in 2002 ;)

I think everyone realized 2002 was a fluke year, even I was telling most fans I hung out with that ND luck would not roll over through 2003. They got many bounces their way, fortunate calls, and pure luck in some games. I believe they won a handful of games in 2002 by close margins (i.e. less than 7 points).

Weis is obviously improved the ND offense ten-fold. The defense should get better over the years. Weis will no doubt bring prestige and excitement back to the school. I don't see them winning a national title anytime soon, but they probably will enter each season in the near future with great odd of winning 8-11 games.
 
MrMarcello said:
I think everyone realized 2002 was a fluke year, even I was telling most fans I hung out with that ND luck would not roll over through 2003. They got many bounces their way, fortunate calls, and pure luck in some games. I believe they won a handful of games in 2002 by close margins (i.e. less than 7 points).

Weis is obviously improved the ND offense ten-fold. The defense should get better over the years. Weis will no doubt bring prestige and excitement back to the school. I don't see them winning a national title anytime soon, but they probably will enter each season in the near future with great odd of winning 8-11 games.

which is exactly what I said. Weis will have to start all over next year.
 
MrMarcello said:
Then Leinart making a stupid decision to run to the end zone from about 8 yards out butfortune shined when the ball was knocked out of bounds. And then Leinart deciding to sneak instead of speaking (and Carroll said it was Leinart's decision, not his) and ND initially stopping him but Leinart rolling to his left and falling in.

FLASHWOK said:
Reggie Bush pushed him in...he didn't just fall in.

Really now...that would be illegal and should have been a penalty.

Interfering for or Helping the Runner or Passer
ARTICLE 2. a. The runner or passer may use his hand or arm to ward off
or push opponents.
b. The runner shall not grasp a teammate; and no other player of his team
shall grasp, push, lift or charge into him to assist him in forward
progress.

c. Teammates of the runner or passer may interfere for him by blocking
but shall not use interlocked interference by grasping or encircling one
another in any manner while contacting an opponent.
PENALTY—Five yards from the basic spot [S44].
 
mathiaslg said:
I have read the stats, and as I said, compared to previous years, they are recruiting quite well (perhaps you should both look a little more closely at the stats and make up your mind about whether next year will be big for them or not). They also have a decent shot of getting at least 1 other 5 Star player. Besides, these 5,4,3 star ratings don't necessarily prove to be entirely accurate--Reggie Bush, for instance, was only a 4 Star and he is the best player in College football.

One NY paper wrote that ND had 14 "elite" HS football players making their official visit at ND on Saturday. After they attended the game, I would think that they might decide to attend ND.
 
MrMarcello said:
Really now...that would be illegal and should have been a penalty.

Interfering for or Helping the Runner or Passer
ARTICLE 2. a. The runner or passer may use his hand or arm to ward off
or push opponents.
b. The runner shall not grasp a teammate; and no other player of his team
shall grasp, push, lift or charge into him to assist him in forward
progress.

c. Teammates of the runner or passer may interfere for him by blocking
but shall not use interlocked interference by grasping or encircling one
another in any manner while contacting an opponent.
PENALTY—Five yards from the basic spot [S44].

You are correct. It is a penalty, but I'd hate to see a great game decided on a call like that.
 
FLASHWOK said:
Maybe the media is convinced that ND has a good chance to upset them, but that is far from the truth. This is the same crappy ND team from last year, just with a new offensive coach. USC has superior athletes at every position.

a well below average Michigan squad

Flash, you have to add in the emotion at a college football game. It's always easier for a team like ND to peak for this game. USC has a target on its back and everyone is up for them.

ND is obviously much better than last year. The new Head Coach (not offensive coach) Weis has made a big difference.

USC probably has an edge athletically at many positions, but to say every one is silly. For example, ND QB Quinn is a much better athlete than Leinart, who really can't run the ball. I think that Quinn will eventually be a better pro QB. ND also has some pretty good offensive lineman, which is one reason why they had such a big advantage in time of possession. You could almost say that USC won because they had Reggie Bush and ND didn't.

It's a "below average" team for Michigan (not necessarily a "well below average team"), but they are not that bad as they beat an undefeated Penn State team (as 3-point favorites). The Big 10 is tough to figure this year as teams keep knocking each other off.

Anyway, congratulations on a big win for So. Cal. It was definitely a classic.
 
kennyj said:
Flash, you have to add in the emotion at a college football game. It's always easier for a team like ND to peak for this game. USC has a target on its back and everyone is up for them.

ND is obviously much better than last year. The new Head Coach (not offensive coach) Weis has made a big difference.

well Weis is The OC, but he is not in charge of the defense (which is still poor) they have a much better attitude and obviously the right coaching does wonders.

USC probably has an edge athletically at many positions, but to say every one is silly. For example, ND QB Quinn is a much better athlete than Leinart, who really can't run the ball. I think that Quinn will eventually be a better pro QB. ND also has some pretty good offensive lineman, which is one reason why they had such a big advantage in time of possession. You could almost say that USC won because they had Reggie Bush and ND didn't.

I think Quinn has potential and having Weis as a tutor might give him a huge jump into the NFL...but then again, who was the last ND quarterback to turn into anything in the pros since Montana came out in 1980?

It's a "below average" team for Michigan (not necessarily a "well below average team"), but they are not that bad as they beat an undefeated Penn State team (as 3-point favorites). The Big 10 is tough to figure this year as teams keep knocking each other off.

I meant sub-par for Michigan's traditional standard

Anyway, congratulations on a big win for So. Cal. It was definitely a classic.


ND's O Line is decent.

but athletically and football wise, USC is superior at virtually every position.


there is a massive uproar in the SC community at the moment, and I along with many others are furious at the OC's. the only reason the offense is looking so disjointed (if you consider 620 YPG disjointed ;) ) is because they have completely abandoned using Reggie in his most dangerous role...in motion and as a decoy with Lendale in at the same time.

they never do it anymore and it is infuriating, because it is our trump card.

it opens everything else up for us.

we are going to get screwed one of these days if they don't change that. there is no way we should have only scored 5 tds against that ND defense, no matter how jacked up they are.
 
kennyj said:
One NY paper wrote that ND had 14 "elite" HS football players making their official visit at ND on Saturday. After they attended the game, I would think that they might decide to attend ND.

I saw the list of players...there are a couple of top ones...McCoy (DL) Bradford (california #1 prospect)

they had one in from Long Beach Poly(a wr) (SC virtually owns all the players from out of there, and they chose not to offer this kid)

problem is, Weis already has 19 signees so the class doesn't have many more spots because he offered rides to lesser players, fearing he might not get the big ones...next year he'll get a good class...this year will probably be top 15.
 
MrMarcello said:
Really now...that would be illegal and should have been a penalty.

Interfering for or Helping the Runner or Passer
ARTICLE 2. a. The runner or passer may use his hand or arm to ward off
or push opponents.
b. The runner shall not grasp a teammate; and no other player of his team
shall grasp, push, lift or charge into him to assist him in forward
progress.

c. Teammates of the runner or passer may interfere for him by blocking
but shall not use interlocked interference by grasping or encircling one
another in any manner while contacting an opponent.
PENALTY—Five yards from the basic spot [S44].


yeah, you never see that happening in college football...happens 500o times a season on sneaks...check out some video clips of UT games, I'm share you'll find a couple here or there. it's an irrelevant rule.

they should have eliminated it long ago anyway.

speaking of "non called" penalties, we could have had a chance to run a real play, if the referees had called the infraction right before Reggie's push on Matt's sneak.

strange that ND didn't get a penalty for excessive celebration when 80 players and 5000 fans rushed the field, and took 5 minutes to clear off.

after USC scored, about 50 USC players stormed the end zone to celebrate wildly, but all got back to the bench within a minute.

USC gets flag for excessive celebration.
 
FLASHWOK said:
yeah, you never see that happening in college football...happens 500o times a season on sneaks...check out some video clips of UT games, I'm share you'll find a couple here or there. it's an irrelevant rule.

they should have eliminated it long ago anyway.

speaking of "non called" penalties, we could have had a chance to run a real play, if the referees had called the infraction right before Reggie's push on Matt's sneak.

strange that ND didn't get a penalty for excessive celebration when 80 players and 5000 fans rushed the field, and took 5 minutes to clear off.

after USC scored, about 50 USC players stormed the end zone to celebrate wildly, but all got back to the bench within a minute.

USC gets flag for excessive celebration.

Actually, the sneak should have been from back another yard. The officials didn't spot the ball where it went out of bounds.

I think the rule should stand. The pros have the same rule. It's rarely called because it rarely happens. If it does happen, it's usually in the middle of the scrum and hard for the officials to see. Bush did it right out in the open. But as I said, I don't think rarely called penalties should decide a game (Like the Saint game yesterday).

About the ND excessive celebration - I hope you don't mean when the clock showed 0:00 and ND winning because everyone thought the game was over. That was the official's error and you can't penalize ND for that. They announced that ND would be penalized if the field wasn't cleared and everyone got off. That was no penalty. The bench clearing while there's time on the clock or another play to be run is a penalty.
 
FLASHWOK said:
strange that ND didn't get a penalty for excessive celebration when 80 players and 5000 fans rushed the field, and took 5 minutes to clear off.

after USC scored, about 50 USC players stormed the end zone to celebrate wildly, but all got back to the bench within a minute.

USC gets flag for excessive celebration.

And you know very well that a flag is never thrown when fans rush the field when the clock shows :00 (and the clock did show :00 as the timekeeper was unaware the ball had been knocked out of bounds, and should have been spotted closer to the 3, but we'll just agree to disagree there). Teams always get a flag for excessive celebrations when scoring a late TD (if they rush onto the field/end zone). Happens alot.
 
kennyj said:
You are correct. It is a penalty, but I'd hate to see a great game decided on a call like that.

Well, if I'm a HC/OC, from now on when the ball is inside the 1, I'll put a TE in the backfield and instruct him and the RB/FB to push the ball carrier towards the goal line. I know this "aided" play happens on some plays, but I have seen refs spot the ball to the forward progress prior to where the teammate aided the runner. I have never seen a flag thrown, but why is it a rule if it is not enforced?

If the shoe was on the other foot, you can gaurantee that Flash and USC fans would be complaining.