I mention this in the football folder even though it relates NCSU v. Vandy, but it also relates to our pass defense.

I just watched the State DB called for pass interference because he did not turn and look for the ball; he stayed step for step and was called. Our DB's would do the same thing this past season. My question for the board: is this some new or current up-to-date technique for the secondary? I've seen so many interference calls made primarily because no one turned to find the ball!

Quite frankly I think it's a terrible technique.

The rule that a defender has to turn to try to locate the ball is an NFL rule, and is not the case in college.

The problem is that most announcers must not realize this and they always try to point this out on plays when pass interference may or may not be called.

ganorris0818 wrote:The rule that a defender has to turn to try to locate the ball is an NFL rule, and is not the case in college.

The problem is that most announcers must not realize this and they always try to point this out on plays when pass interference may or may not be called.

Well that explains my ignorance on the subject. Still for the life of me I can't figure out why we still don't look for the ball and play the ball and quit getting these PI calls, which in my opinion touches on laziness after all the effort spent to keep up with the receiver.

scatman77 wrote:

ganorris0818 wrote:The rule that a defender has to turn to try to locate the ball is an NFL rule, and is not the case in college.

The problem is that most announcers must not realize this and they always try to point this out on plays when pass interference may or may not be called.

Well that explains my ignorance on the subject. Still for the life of me I can't figure out why we still don't look for the ball and play the ball and quit getting these PI calls, which in my opinion touches on laziness after all the effort spent to keep up with the receiver.

Add our whole section to that. None of us can figure out why we don't go for the ball. What really makes me nuts is when our guy gets hit in the back of the head with the ball.

bcoach wrote:

scatman77 wrote:

ganorris0818 wrote:The rule that a defender has to turn to try to locate the ball is an NFL rule, and is not the case in college.

The problem is that most announcers must not realize this and they always try to point this out on plays when pass interference may or may not be called.

Well that explains my ignorance on the subject. Still for the life of me I can't figure out why we still don't look for the ball and play the ball and quit getting these PI calls, which in my opinion touches on laziness after all the effort spent to keep up with the receiver.

Add our whole section to that. None of us can figure out why we don't go for the ball. What really makes me nuts is when our guy gets hit in the back of the head with the ball.

Agreed. I think pretty good defense can be played with their back to the ball, so long as they read the receiver and stick a hand up when they see the receiver reaching out for the ball. But ultimately turning to locate the ball at the last second would be the ideal situation, and most likely lead to more interceptions -- especially considering how many balls are underthrown at our level.

Excellent points and often overlooked by many fans. Too, you have to be mega hot on the receivers' heels to have the opportunity to look back. If you are having trouble staying stride for stride with the dude, looking back too much will get you burned and .

JCline0429 wrote:Excellent points and often overlooked by many fans. Too, you have to be mega hot on the receivers' heels to have the opportunity to look back. If you are having trouble staying stride for stride with the dude, looking back too much will get you burned and .

So maybe we need better DBs because we are just missing too many opportunities.

bcoach wrote:

JCline0429 wrote:Excellent points and often overlooked by many fans. Too, you have to be mega hot on the receivers' heels to have the opportunity to look back. If you are having trouble staying stride for stride with the dude, looking back too much will get you burned and .

So maybe we need better DBs because we are just missing too many opportunities.

My thoughts exactly. I think it is partly speed, athleticism and depth.