Fansided

ACC Says Correct Call Made In Florida State-Notre Dame Game

By Phil Watson

Oct 18, 2014; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Everett Golson (5) rolls out to pass against the Florida State Seminoles during the first quarter at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2014; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish quarterback Everett Golson (5) rolls out to pass against the Florida State Seminoles during the first quarter at Doak Campbell Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Atlantic Coast Conference stood by the offensive pass interference call that cost Notre Dame a go-ahead touchdown in its loss Saturday at Florida State.

Notre Dame had a potential go-ahead score taken off the board late in its 31-27 loss at Florida State Saturday, but the ACC says the right call was made.

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Everett Golson hit Corey Robinson on fourth-and-goal for an apparent 2-yard touchdown pass, but the Fighting Irish were flagged for offensive pass interference when a Notre Dame receiver was blocking a defender past the line of scrimmage.

ACC director of officiating Doug Rhoads said the correct call was made.

"“Offensive players on passing plays are restricted from going downfield and blocking anytime from the snap,” Rhodes said. “If the ball is first touched behind the line of scrimmage then that would be legal and it’s OK, but if it’s touched beyond the line then it’s offensive pass interference.”"

Golson’s pass on fourth-and-18 after the penalty was intercepted in the back of the end zone by FSU’s Jacob Pugh with six seconds remaining.

Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly was less than pleased, saying the situation had not been cleared up.

"“Actually I have less clarity,” Kelly said. “I guess it was actually called on Will Fuller, not C.J. (Prosise). So just more uncertainty as to the final play.“But again, the play itself, in terms of what we ask our kids to do, it was pretty clear what happened on the play: Florida State blew the coverage and they got rewarded for it. It’s unfortunate.”"

Adding to Kelly’s annoyance was that Seminole cornerback P.J. Williams took his helmet off right after Robinson’s negated catch, a penalty that went uncalled.

"“Yeah, they said that they missed the call.” Kelly said. “They said they just missed it.”"

Florida State improved to 7-0 and won its 23rd straight game. Notre Dame fell to 6-1. Both teams are off this weekend.

Maybe now would be a good time to fire up that old, “Maybe they need full-time officials” debate.

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