Did Oregon coach Dan Lanning purposely call for 12 defenders to take the field on Ohio State’s penultimate offensive snap Saturday — knowing that it would either be missed by the refs (thus aiding the Duck defense) or even if flagged would result in just a 5-yard penalty but cost the Buckeyes precious time on the clock because of a NCAA rulebook loophole?
Maybe? Probably not? If so, why did he use it so judiciously, and perhaps with great risk?
I have so many questions before this he-did-it-on-purpose makes complete sense. So do multiple college football coaches who are calling around this week debating the topic.