The graphic below shows a game (SC VS UT) in which one team (South Carolina)dominates every single stat on the sheet, yet the dominating team still lost. How is that possible?
This game (unfortunately) came down to just a handful of plays. Here are they are:
1.) Mike Davis fumble
SC clearly had momentum in their favor on this play. The vols could not stop them and it looked as if SC was going in for the TD. After a good run, SC running back Mike Davis is met by a host of UT players. His forward progress is stopped, but the refs do not blow the whistle. They allow UT to hold Mike up and eventually strip the ball. The ball falls to the ground and both Mike and UT player grab it. According to the rules, when both player control the ball, the ball goes to the offense. This was a huge play because it was taken away from USC and given to UT when USC was obviously about to score.
2.) Interference in the endzone.
Earlier in the game, USC was called for pass interference on 4th down and the VOLS were able to get a 1st down. The call was questionable but at the time seemed to matter little. Fast forward to later in the game, SC throws the ball in to the endzone and a UT player all but tackles the USC receiver. No flag is thrown. To make matters worse it was on 4th down and forced SC to turn the ball over. Horrible call.
3.) With little time on the clock, UT kicks a field goal which they miss badly. Wait! UT was called for a false start and they got a second shot at kicking the ball and of course, they make it this time.
So you see... with a little help even a dominated team can win.
