Did Michael Dyer Get Down in the 2011 BCS Championship Game Between Auburn and Oregon?

One of the most debated moments in the 2011 BCS Championship game between Auburn and Oregon occurred when Michael Dyer, a key player for Auburn, appeared to be down due to a tackle by a defender. This event has sparked a lot of discussion among fans and experts alike. Let's delve into the details and clarify some misunderstandings.

The Initial Debate

Several people have pondered whether Dyer was actually down when he was tackled during the game. The confusion started when Dyer's forward momentum was halted, but the whistle had not yet blown. Some believed that even without the whistle, Dyer was down due to the close physical contact with the defender. Others viewed it as a grey area, considering the ambiguity of the play.

The debate also touched on the eligibility of players who are down but not ruled as such. While it's widely accepted that a player should be considered down if they are laying on top of a defender, there is a discrepancy between high school and college rules. In this particular case, the college rule applied, which required direct contact with the ground or the turf.

Officials' Decision and Criticism

The officials on the field at the time did not rule Dyer down merely because he was laying on top of a defender. According to the rules, a player is only considered down if their knees, shins, elbows, or arms touch the ground. In this play, only Dyer's feet and hands made contact with the turf.

Some fans and analysts criticized the officials, suggesting that they let the play continue due to the team's location in the south, where there is often a preference for Auburn. However, this speculation lacks concrete evidence and falls into the rabbit hole of unsupported assumptions.

Facts from the Video Review

The officials conducted a video review of the play and confirmed their initial call. Dyer's knee did not touch the ground, and therefore he was not considered down by the rules. The review was crucial in resolving the debate and providing clarity.

Even if Dyer was down, his team, being in the lead, might have still considered a field goal attempt. With the score tied, an attempt at a field goal would have likely ended the game in a similar fashion.

FAQs

Is a player considered down if they are on top of a defender? No, a player is only considered down if their knees, shins, elbows, or arms touch the ground. In the case of Michael Dyer, he was not down as none of these body parts touched the turf. What was the outcome of the game? Auburn and Oregon were tied at the end of the game, and the decisive play was Dyer's tackle. Although the officials did not rule him down, it did not significantly impact the overall game's outcome. Are there any questions surrounding the eligibility of Dyer? While the eligibility of players who are down but not ruled so is a subject of discussion, the rules are clear for the specific play in question. Dyer's official down status was determined based on his body contact with the ground, which did not include knees, shins, elbows, or arms.

Conclusion

While the 2011 BCS Championship game between Auburn and Oregon was filled with intense moments, the debate surrounding Michael Dyer's down status is a prime example of how rules and interpretations can shape fan opinions and discussions. Understanding the specific rules and video review process can help clarify such controversies and provide fans with a more informed perspective.