re: There is no denying that Alabama has looked distinctly average

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They talked about this on the ESPN coaches feed of the game. All agreed it was legal noting that the TE or RB can legally block at the LOS and push downfield as on that play. The context you're talking about is a 2nd level block that begins downfield. That would be a foul.

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then they were wrong. the rules are crystal clear.

ARTICLE 8.
a. During a down in which a legal forward pass crosses the neutral zone, illegal contact by Team A and Team B players is prohibited from the time the ball is snapped until it is touched by any player or an
official (A.R. 7-3-8-II).

b. Offensive pass interference by a Team A player beyond the neutral zone during a legal forward pass play in which a forward pass crosses the neutral zone is contact that interferes with a Team B eligible player. It is the responsibility of the offensive player to avoid the opponents. It is not offensive pass interference (A.R. 7-3-8-IV, V, X, XV and XVI) (when):

1. When, after the snap, a Team A ineligible player immediately charges and contacts an opponent at a point not more than one yard beyond the neutral zone and maintains the contact for no more than three yards beyond the neutral zone
2. When two or more eligible players are making a simultaneous and bona fide attempt to reach, catch or bat the pass. Eligible players of either team have equal rights to the ball
3. When the pass is in flight and two or more eligible players are in the area where they might receive or intercept the pass and an offensive player in that area impedes an opponent, and the pass is not catchable

#1 applies to offensive ineligible players only. it wouldn't apply in this situation anyways because the block extended further than 3 yards down field. #3 applies only when the pass is not catchable.. and given that it was obviously catchable, and an offensive player in the area impeded an opponent.. clearly PI