Jul 13, 2012
In the final play that was Rudy’s moment of glory, was he offsides?
According to the NFL rulebook, “after assuming set position…no player of the defensive team within one yard of the line of scrimmage may make an abrupt movement in an attempt to cause the offense to false start.”
Rudy is definitely fidgety at the line, but did he move after the QB called “set”? Should there have been a penalty?
See 9 more heartbreaking truths about your favorite sports movies.
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Come on now, Hollywood doesn’t follow the NFL rulebook. Sheeze
What does the NCAA rule book say about it?
1. This is college, not the NFL.
2. Even if it was the NFL, the moment took place in the 1970′s. I don’t think the rule was around then. You obviously couldn’t cross the line of scrimmage then, but you could move around.
Everyone knows Rudy was offside.
I wish Notre Dame was in the NFL, because then they wouldn’t be in college football.
+1
Defensive players are allowed to move as long as he doesn’t cross the point of the ball before the ball is snapped. He doesn’t appear to move forward to me. The review is inconclusive, the play stands as called.
Technically you can cross the neutral zone before the ball is snapped, but if an offensive lineman moves after he’s set the defense will be called for encroachment (dead ball penalty, it’s usually better to snap the ball and get a free play).
Generally, the penalty is only called if an O-linemen moves but it seems that technically it’s not required per the quoted NFL rule.
Also, intent is part of the rule. So, if the refs thought he was actually doing it to force a false start there could be grounds, but if the kid’s just antsy then it’s not a foul.
Correction Needed! This game was not the NFL, it was the NCAA.
No. Others have explained why, but also it looks like he’s just moving moving his leg in that “bull scratching his hoof,” “I’m a tough guy” kinda way. He was within rules.
Abraham — this might be your worst post ever. I might even have to ban you.
Ban over. I’ll see you tomorrow.