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Joel Klatt and Chekwa on the OPI

+3 HS
buckeyeguy0615's picture
by buckeyeguy0615
October 14, 2024 at 3:54pm
31 Comments

There has been a lot of debate back and forth on X about Smith's OPI and what constitutes an OPI. My thoughts:

  • A lot of misinformation going around that Smith pushed off like 10 yards downfield. The initial contact clearly came from the DB and Smith was jammed within 5 yards of the LOS (you can see that with the following photo). Smith is allowed to release. Regardless of this debate, there is no 5 yards jam rule in HS or CFB. 
  • The question is if it was too excessive of a push off from Smith. I can see how the refs got there to call it an OPI.
  • Chimdi Chekwa said that the ball needs to be in the air for it to be an OPI. The ball is still in the QB's hands when the contact is made. So what is the penalty if a receiver pushes the guy covering him to the ground while running his route before the ball is thrown? Offensive holding? Illegal use of the hands?

Here are thoughts from Joel Klatt and he cites other instances throughout the game where the ref let them play when there was contact. It almost sounds like he is hinting that there was a little bit of home cookin' at the end for Oregon, but fell just short of saying it.

 Thoughts from Chimdi Chekwa:

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