Observation: Will Denard get preferential treatment by officials with his newfound status?
I've been thinking about this a bit. I recall one play where an ND player hit DRob after a pass with his hands to Denard's face.
I wonder now if the refs will be tempted to protect Denard a bit more with his rise to national prominence, or will they consider him a virtual running back and an open target?
September 13th, 2010 at 10:54 AM ^
I would seriously hope they wouldn't consider him a "virtual running back" and let players get in cheap shots, but then again, these are NCAA officials we're talking about (specifically B10 ones), so nothing really surprises me anymore.
ND certainly got a few shots in on Denard's facemask/helmet area. I wasn't specifically looking but I do recall at least two instances.
[standard comment about the incompetence of Dave Witvoet]
September 13th, 2010 at 11:52 AM ^
That being said, I think that all QB's get a little more protection than other players.
I also have no doubt that Rodriguez will have the ears of the officiating crew if he thinks that there are issues.