Def substitution rule

[94LionsFan]

Sorry if this has already been addressed elsewhere, but I don’t understand why the USC defense was able to have players subbing in right up to the play clock running out and we’re on the hook for a delay of game penalty. I get that they should be able to sub if we do, but it seemed like they had more than enough time to do so and were abusing the rule. Can someone explain?

 

[Erial_Lion]

They were abusing the rule. Refs shouldn't have allowed them that much time...the first one was borderline, the second one was blatant.

 

[KingLando]

Sorry if this has already been addressed elsewhere, but I don’t understand why the USC defense was able to have players subbing in right up to the play clock running out and we’re on the hook for a delay of game penalty. I get that they should be able to sub if we do, but it seemed like they had more than enough time to do so and were abusing the rule. Can someone explain?

It will likely be addressed in the off-season but that's how it's been called. Can't make late substitutions. The second one was pushing it but the first one was on us

 

[Bison13]

PSU subbed a few seconds later than they should have but the usc guys were almost walking out. As erial mentioned it should have been called at minimum on the second TO

 

[94LionsFan]

It will likely be addressed in the off-season but that's how it's been called. Can't make late substitutions. The second one was pushing it but the first one was on us

What is a late substitution? I just tried googling it and all I found was some guy on Reddit saying it’s at the ref’s discretion and 15 seconds left on the play clock is the cutoff. There should be a concrete definition for late substitution, shouldn’t there?

 

[CDLionFL]

The offense puts themselves in peril with this if they have the wrong personnel and they decide to run someone out there with 15-20 on the play clock. Then the C comes running in to stop the QB from calling for the snap and the defense can take their sweet time getting off the field (I think 10 seconds is the allowable time to sub). If you can't get your personnel figured out on offense, why should the defense suffer for your ineptitude?

 

[KingLando]

What is a late substitution? I just tried googling it and all I found was some guy on Reddit saying it’s at the ref’s discretion and 15 seconds left on the play clock is the cutoff. There should be a concrete definition for late substitution, shouldn’t there?

Which is why I think it will be addressed this offseason
But that's on the coaching staff would even making it close

 

[Metal Mike]

Another thing I did not understand was the PSU penalty for "delay of game" that gave USC a first down and allowed them to run out the clock. The replay showed PSU players moving around but I thought defensive players could move but not move toward the offensive line. Did they move toward the offensive and I missed it or what? Thanks

 

[Erial_Lion]

Another thing I did not understand was the PSU penalty for "delay of game" that gave USC a first down and allowed them to run out the clock. The replay showed PSU players moving around but I thought defensive players could move but not move toward the offensive line. Did they move toward the offensive and I missed it or what? Thanks

That one was the right call. Players on the defensive line can't make sudden movements to try and draw the offense to flinch. If it was one player made a sudden shift, you've got a better chance of getting away with it...but all three guys quickly shifting like that should draw a penalty on the D.

 

[bbrown]

Sorry if this has already been addressed elsewhere, but I don’t understand why the USC defense was able to have players subbing in right up to the play clock running out and we’re on the hook for a delay of game penalty. I get that they should be able to sub if we do, but it seemed like they had more than enough time to do so and were abusing the rule. Can someone explain?

They crossed the line on one of them and were very close on others. They should have been flagged.

 

[bbrown]

Sorry if this has already been addressed elsewhere, but I don’t understand why the USC defense was able to have players subbing in right up to the play clock running out and we’re on the hook for a delay of game penalty. I get that they should be able to sub if we do, but it seemed like they had more than enough time to do so and were abusing the rule. Can someone explain?

Another issue that would have given them first downs is just snap the ball when they jump off sides. USC did that at least 3x.

 

[JoePaMajorCFBrecord409Ws]

The offense puts themselves in peril with this if they have the wrong personnel and they decide to run someone out there with 15-20 on the play clock. Then the C comes running in to stop the QB from calling for the snap and the defense can take their sweet time getting off the field (I think 10 seconds is the allowable time to sub). If you can't get your personnel figured out on offense, why should the defense suffer for your ineptitude?

Nope, the OP is correct the rule states that the defensive substitutes are supposed to exit and enter the field in an expeditious manner (I believe the exact wording is "at an athletic pace" - i.e., running, not walking slowly). The Rulebook says the Defense has an opportunity to substitute after the Offense substitutes, but that is not what is being asked about here. The Rulebook ALSO states the pace that those substitutions should enter and exit the field at. The USC substitutions were both walking on and off the field - in fact, the substitute walking into the field of play didn't even start walking onto the field of play until the player leaving the field of play had slowly walked all the way to the sideline. That is against the Rules and the Official should have stepped away allowing PSU to snap the ball causing a penalty (or to few players) to USC as USC was abusing the substitution protocol specified in the Rulebook.