Virginia’s unranked football team pulled off a stunning upset against a previously unbeaten Florida State squad on Friday night, winning 46-38 in double overtime. The thrilling game also highlighted the ACC’s innovative decision to give viewers a behind-the-scenes look and listen into the ACC Operations Center during replay reviews.
Several critical plays during the game were reviewed, including what turned out to be the penultimate play. With Virginia leading 46-38, Florida State appeared to score a touchdown on a pass from quarterback Tommy Castellanos to wide receiver Duce Robinson. However, Robinson bobbled the ball and was close to stepping out of bounds, prompting a review.
Viewers were able to watch the replays and hear the real-time conversation between the officials on the field and the ACC Operations Center officials in Charlotte. All parties agreed that although Robinson caught the ball, he did not secure possession until he was out of bounds, resulting in an incomplete pass. The remainder of the discussion focused on determining the correct spot of the ball for Florida State’s next play.
After the incomplete pass call was announced to the crowd at Scott Stadium, ESPN’s Bob Wischusen praised the ACC for its transparency. “We just can’t thank the ACC enough for allowing us to listen to that conversation,” Wischusen said.
Wischusen was not alone in his praise. ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt, along with many others in sports media, also lauded the Operations Center look-ins. This is not the first ACC game this season to feature this technology. The conference announced before the season began that viewers would be able to see and hear the replay booths, and early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
Will we see more of this transparent review process in the future? Time will tell. But the strong positive response to its use in such a high-profile game with several close calls bodes well for its continued implementation moving forward.
https://awfulannouncing.com/college-football/acc-replay-camera-virginia-florida-state-game.html
