Let me again re-iterate that I don't think a couple calls (or non-calls) here or there, as horrible as they were, cost us a 28-point whooping. Momentum is an un-measurable commodity, so I reserve the right to whine about it for at least 2 more weeks. In the end, I'm ecstatic to have still drawn the Sugar Bowl - so kudos to Hokie Fans everywhere - and our propensity to travel well and spend dollars!
But to put some of the discussion to rest:
Horse collar tackle was banned in the NFL in 2005 offseason (the "Roy Williams" rule, Oklahoma Sooner/Dallas Cowboy Roy).
The CFL (what's that all aboot, eh?) banned it in 2007.
NCAA football (all divisions) caught up in the 2008-2009 season.
"Horse-Collar" Tackle (Rule 9-1-2-p). With this new rule, the committee addresses the potential hazard to a ball carrier that is grabbed by the inside collar of the jersey or shoulder pad and quickly jerked down. The rule prohibits all players from grabbing the inside back collar of the shoulder pads or jersey, or the inside collar of the side of the shoulder pads or jersey, and immediately pulling the runner down. This does not apply to a runner who is inside the tackle box or to a quarterback who is in the pocket. A key element is the immediacy of the runner being pulled down, because of the risk of injury. The horse-collar tackle is a personal foul and the penalty is 15 yards.
