I am watching the LSU/Georgia last week, and while it was a bit of a low scoring snoozefest for three quarters, things started to really get interesting in the final stanza. The teams traded touchdowns with Georgia scoring in the first minute of the quarter, and then LSU returning the favor 13 minutes later. So with a little more than a minute remaining in the game, Georgia records a 16 yard touchdown pass and as a natural reaction, the players celebrate their touchdown. Nothing over the top, just a group of guys clapping their hands and hugging each other, happier than normal considering there is is barely a minute remaining in the contest, and they just scored the go-ahead points (making the score 13-12). So what does one of the referees do, throw a flag on the Bulldogs and penalize them 15 yards for excessive celebration.  Just 15 seconds later, LSU miraculously breaks off a 33 yard touchdown run to now the lead the game 20-13. The LSU players are naturally going bonkers, jumping up and down, and their undefeated season and top five ranking are still intact. Guess what one of the referee does, throws his flag. Cmon. Give me a break.

I gotta think that a good majority of these officials played the game of american football themselves competitively for quite some time. Well I am sure if they were true competitors that they realize that flags shouldnt be thrown in situations like this. I can understand if during one of the two excessive celebration infractions against both teams, that if someone did something unnecessary like take off their helmet or point to an opposing player, but that wasn't the case on Saturday. Excessive celebration penalties were put into place to deter outlandish and uncessary behavior. Now if LSU or Georgia was celebrating a score in the 1st quarter like they were in the final quarter, then yes throw the flag. Again this wasn't the case Saturday. Here's wishing that college football refs would think about the situation before reaching into their pocket to throw a flag for excessive celebration.

Perry's Performer of the Week: Denver Broncos. Kyle Orton still hasn't thrown an interception in 2009 and Brandon Marshall looks like he is a happy camper thesedays. Denver kept Marion Barber and Tashard Choice in check all game long, and only allowed 10 points to Dallas last week. Broncos have only allowed 26 points in four games. Amazing if you consider they ranked 29th in defense last year and gave up 28 points a game.  

Perry's Pet of the Week (Off to the Doghouse you Go): Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez for calling the fake punt at his own 15 yard line halfway through the 3rd quarter when his team was only down 10-6. This is a move you dont make if you are playing a video game, let alone an intrastate rival who is trying to beat you back-to-back for the first time in 42 years.

What do you think of the college refs and excessive celebrations? Please put your comments below on this or any or subject you want to discuss. Thanks