re: Alabama ranks last in CFB in opponent penalties.

Honestly at this point we should not be shocked at any of this. This has been a trend for years. We aren't getting the calls. It's just not going to happen. I rarely even get that mad about it anymore. I expect it.

Part of it is nationwide. Holding is just not called very often. Players do it even more because they know it won't be called. The NFL is starting to have a hard time finding quality OL. Guys aren't coached well in college in regards to pro systems. When you factor in the holding aspect it's tough to project OL. They aren't running NFL offenses and they are allowed to hold.

quote:

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This has been a trend for years. We aren't getting the calls

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This is not really at you, Cam. I just needed to jump in the convo somewhere.

However, I do disagree with you. I don't think the stats in the OP point to us "not getting the calls." I think it's due to a number of factors:

1) Bama has been good for a long time now, dynasty and all, and so we get everyone's best shot. Teams play better against us, or at least they try to. They have focused weeks of practice. They are dialed in. And I think that results in them committing less penalties.

I, like many here, played competitive sports for many years, and it's no secret that playing against great competition brings out the best in athletes, generally speaking.

2) Bama plays a style of football that is very, very physical, and we tend to dictate the style/way the game goes. And so referees, in return, let us and our opponents play. For example, we nearly always are jamming receivers at the line, and being very physical with them throughout their attempt to run a route. And we do it every single play. Refs see it every single play, and simply get used to it. They just let more slide. We don't notice it until there's a slow-motion replay, and if the call doesn't go our way, we cry conspiracy. But really the refs are just letting folks play and only calling the egregious stuff.

3) When a team is blowing the doors off someone and up a bunch of points, refs simply put their whistles in their pockets. It's natural and good. We blow teams out frequently, and refs again only call the egregious stuff.

I think only a small part of the OP's stats are due to refs just "not giving us the call." I'd say at least 80% is due to the above 3 reasons, not ref bias.