Celebration call still has Johnson upset
Published: Monday, 11/07/05 Vanderbilt Coach Bobby Johnson sat in his office yesterday morning looking at film from his team's 49-42 double-overtime loss at Florida.
There was no doubt regarding which clip he looked at first.
Vanderbilt had just put together a dazzling fourth-quarter offensive and defensive performance. Commodores quarterback Jay Cutler had just hit freshman receiver Earl Bennett for a 6-yard touchdown pass with 54 seconds remaining in regulation. Vanderbilt only trailed 35-34 and could tie it with a successful extra-point conversion.
But Bennett, a quiet and understated yet talented receiver, was flagged for excessive celebration.
Broadcasters for ESPN2 criticized the call. Johnson said yesterday he didn't see anything to warrant an excessive-celebration penalty. He said the film showed Bennett hold the ball up with one hand after scoring the touchdown before the camera cut away.
Johnson said after the game that he and his staff were ready to go for a two-point conversion before the penalty, but instead had to settle for a 35-yard extra-point attempt by freshman place-kicker Bryant Hahnfeldt, which he converted.
"We had a play ready," Johnson said. "Our defense was tired and had played a lot of plays.
"All I will say is that we were definitely going for two and that I am extremely disappointed that the penalty took away our chance to possibly win the game in regulation."
Bobby Gaston, the SEC's supervisor of officials, had not yet reviewed the play when contacted yesterday.
"If the official believes that the player was committing a choreographed act, then that is an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty," he said.
Davis steps up: Senior wide receiver Erik Davis had a monster night after catching only three passes during the past three games while battling injuries.
Davis recorded a game-high 127 receiving yards on eight catches, including a touchdown.
Davis suffered a lower-leg injury on the play and was helped off by trainers. He did not return. Johnson said yesterday he wasn't certain of the injury's extent. Davis did not practice last night.
This report contains material from staff writer Brian Mullen and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Fine protection: The Commodores' offensive line played its finest game of the season, at least when it came to pass protection. Florida entered tied for first in the Southeastern Conference in sacks (23), but Vanderbilt only allowed one.
Published: Monday, 11/07/05
