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Chains Question?

  • Does anyone think that they were ever used to check first down yardage in the first two home games? I don't remember a season when the referees just almost automatically signalled 'first down' after a play...even when it seemed 'really close' to me?

    KellyLuvsOU

  • I commented on this earlier this season. It is pretty much all college games...if it is close the linesmen signals to the referee first down. In our FSU game on third down the YELLOW line showed they were short a foot which would bring a punt. I realize yellow line is NOT official but it is very close. As soon as the play was over the linesmen comes in with the signal to move the chains. If was without question very close and the yellow line showed probably short. I see this all the time so obviously officials have been told if it is close move the chains. That simply is not right!!!! Of course if it works to our advantage in a big game it is ok!!!!

    NCKSSOONER

  • I do not agree, it does not matter who it favors. If it is close then the chains need to be used.

    hml4ou

  • Wow, I thought I was the only one noticing it. I actually rewound a few (two in the FSU game a one in the Tulsa) and I swear they moved the chains and it looked close if not short. I wasn't even looking at the "yellow line"...I looked at where the ball was spotted on 1st down. Interesting...

    Boomerjnj

  • What is not right is that it's the year 2011 and they are still using chains! They use chains! With the rate that technology has moved they are still using manual chains. I don't have the answer but someone smarter than me must.

    rob9618

  • Chips in the footballs and lasers; pretty darn simple solution that would be perfectly on every time

    Sevenmm33

  • IMO, the use of chains to measure first downs has always been random at best.. When the chains are first set after a "first down" play, an official looks across the field and puts his foot down where he thinks the nose of the ball is. That's not exactly "accurate", especially when the ball is on the far hash-mark. So to drag the chains out to see if ten yards from where the chains were first set by "eyeball" to determine whether or not it's a first down is certainly not precise. So, I don't see where the issue here is. What's the difference between the first "eyeball" and the second one?

    signature image

    "Show me one white eyes that speaks the truth and I shall listen to him". Sitting Bull

    SoonerRick46

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