duke miami lateral

The Duke Miami Lateral: A Play That Will Live in Infamy

The Duke Miami lateral play, executed on October 31, 2015, remains one of the most controversial and debated endings in college football history. It involved a series of eight laterals by Duke, culminating in a touchdown that initially appeared to give the Blue Devils a last-second victory over the Miami Hurricanes. However, the validity of the touchdown was disputed due to questionable officiating decisions.

What Happened During the Duke Miami Lateral Play?

With six seconds remaining and trailing by three points, Duke received a kickoff. Instead of attempting a standard return, the Blue Devils began a series of laterals. The ball was passed back and forth multiple times, as Duke desperately tried to advance the ball downfield. The play was chaotic, with players scrambling and the ball bouncing around. Eventually, Duke managed to get into the end zone, seemingly securing a miraculous victory.

The Controversy and Aftermath

Immediately after the touchdown, replays showed that several questionable calls, or non-calls, may have occurred during the lateral sequence. One of the most debated aspects of the play was whether Duke player Braxton Deaver’s knee was down before he lateraled the ball. Another point of contention was an alleged illegal block by a Duke player. The ACC reviewed the play and acknowledged that multiple officiating errors were made. As a result, the officiating crew was suspended for two games. However, the game’s outcome remained unchanged, much to the dismay of Miami fans. For more information on the rules of college football and the role of referees, see this Wikipedia article on college football.

Lasting Impact

The Duke Miami lateral play continues to be discussed and debated years later. It serves as a reminder of the impact that officiating can have on the outcome of a game, and the fine line between a legal play and an illegal one in the heat of the moment. The play is a staple of college football highlight reels, both for its improbable nature and the controversy surrounding it. It also led to increased scrutiny and discussion about replay review procedures and officiating standards.

FAQs About the Duke Miami Lateral Play

Was the Duke Miami lateral play a legal play?

The ACC acknowledged that officiating errors occurred during the play, suggesting that it should not have been allowed to stand.

Why wasn’t the game overturned?

Despite the acknowledged errors, the game’s outcome was not changed, adhering to existing conference policies.

Who was the referee in the Duke Miami game?

Details about the specific refereeing crew are readily available in sports news archives from that date. The names can be found through searches of game reports and investigations.

What were the specific officiating errors made?

The ACC identified several potential violations, including a knee being down before a lateral and an illegal block.

Did the Duke Miami game affect any rule changes in college football?

While it didn’t directly cause specific rule changes, it contributed to ongoing discussions about replay review processes and officiating standards in college football.

Summary

The Duke Miami lateral play was a chaotic and controversial finish to a 2015 college football game. The play involved a series of risky laterals by Duke and several questionable officiating decisions. While Duke was initially awarded the victory, the ACC later acknowledged errors, but the result stood. The play remains a notable example of the drama and controversy that can occur in college football.