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Have yourself a merry little bowl season: if seeing the good in college football is wrong, I don't want to be right

Sporting News, The, Dec 27, 2004 by Steve Greenberg

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One would think coach Bill Callahan is receiving the most heat for Nebraska's 5-6 record and the end of the school's 35-year bowl streak, but he isn't. The hottest seat in Lincoln belongs to second-year athletics director (and NU grad) Steve Pederson, who fired Frank Solich and his .753 success rate after a 10-3 2003 season and brought in Callahan. The losing record was bad enough, but the bowl streak's end has brought criticism from former players, not to mention fans and alumni.

But don't expect to see red flags raining down

So college football doesn't want to be like the NFL, hub? Well, the grand game will take a big step toward the pro game next season when all six BCS conferences use instant replay.

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There still are a few hurdles to clear, but after the Big Ten's success this season with the inaugural model, look for everyone to follow suit. The Big Ten used replay 43 times in 53 games and overturned nearly half (21) of the calls.

The only difference among the six conferences will be what is reviewable by the official in the booth. A few of the conferences want just plays, but others are considering more. Remember the clock mismanagement that cost Florida in its controversial loss at Tennessee? Officials failed to restart the game clock after a personal foul was called on the Gators with less than a minute to play; the Vols ended up winning, 30-28, on a 50-yard field goal. Hypothetically, a replay official could have stopped play to adjust the game clock, which probably wouldn't have left enough time for the Vols to get into field-goal range.

Bottom line: It's good for the game when bad calls can be corrected on the field. If you have the technology, why not use it? The Big East, SEC and ACC have been exploring the use of replay all season and likely will approve it at their respective spring meetings, The Big 12 considered using replay last year but didn't have enough time to implement the system. And the Pac-10, which seems to drag its feet on every major decision, is exploring the possibility, too. Finally, some sense.--Matt Hayes

Have yourself a merry little bowl season: if seeing the good in college football is wrong, I don't want to be right

Sporting News, The, Dec 27, 2004 by Steve Greenberg

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