Ariy-El Boynton
There’s something wrong with the Pac-10. Here are two reasons why:
On Sept. 6, the University of Washington Huskies trailed 28-21 to Bingham Young University with time running out in the fourth quarter. The home Huskies were in a late-game drive, and they managed to sneak in the end zone. Sophomore quarterback Jake Locker got the Huskies within one point really late in the game.
The score filled Husky Stadium with emotion, and a big charge filled the stadium. Locker was jacked up; the BYU Cougars were ranked after all. After the score, Locker tossed the ball and grabbed his teammates to celebrate.
He wasn’t showboating, taunting, grandstanding or hot-dogging. It was just a simple team celebration for a potential game -tying touchdown.
The Pac-10 officiating crew, led by referee Larry Farina, viewed this celebration as unsportsmanlike and flagged UW for their actions. Stunned, the Huskies would miss the extra point kick, and BYU won 28-27.
One week ago, the Oregon State Beavers beat the No. 1 ranked USC Trojans. The exposure was good for the Pac-10, but the OSU students’ actions were not.
With over two minutes to go in the game, hoards of Beaver fans came on to the Reser Stadium carpet. The game was far from over, as the Trojans scored a late touchdown and the student faithful almost looked like idiots.
ESPN’s Erin Andrews sideline reporter felt safer in the player’s only area on the field rather than her allocated area. Luckily, for everyone in the stadium and campus, USC did not recover the football.
A riot could have very well have taken place if USC won and a bunch of Oregon State players were on the field.
Students rushing the field (especially during the game) is dangerous. After East Carolina beat West Virginia and students rushed the field, police used excessive force on the fans, all of which was caught on tape. The SEC no longer allows students rushing the field. Perhaps the Pac-10 should look at this.
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