Lovie Smith’s Illinois team was taken to the final seconds by Ball State. With the score 24-21, the Cardinals had a shot to tie it with a 54-yard field goal.
It was blocked and Illinois wins. But they shouldn’t have.
Fight to the Finish #Illini pic.twitter.com/iZUjKtcMzc
— Illini Football (@IlliniFootball) September 2, 2017
Jamal Milan blocked the kick, yes. But No. 31 Cameron Watkins did not and he mauled the Ball State kicker. The officials did NOT throw the flag for the obvious roughing the kicker. Illinois wins.
According to the official NCAA college football rule book (page FR-92):
6. A player who makes contact with the kicker or holder after touching the kick is not charged with running into or roughing the kicker.
7. When a player other than one who blocks a scrimmage kick runs into or roughs the kicker or holder, it is a foul.
