Byron Marshall nearly cost Oregon a touchdown during Monday’s National Championship Game by starting to release the ball as he was crossing the goal line on a 70-yard touchdown catch.
The officials called the play a touchdown and confirmed their decision upon review, allowing the Ducks to close the deficit to four points at 21-17. That was a lucky break for Oregon, which has benefited from being on the other side of such a play.
You may recall that the Ducks were down 7-0 to Utah and were about to go down 14-0 until Kaelin Clay dropped the ball just before crossing the goal line. Oregon picked up the ball and returned it the other way for a touchdown to even the game. They went on to win in a blowout.
The Utah wide receiver was watching the title game and had no choice but to comment on Marshall’s near mistake:
NO BYRON NO!!!!
— Kaelin Clay (@CALiboy4) January 13, 2015
The play is often called “pulling a DeSean Jackson” because Jackson did it a few times early in his playing career. What’s notable about Marshall nearly costing his team is that this is the second time it has happened to him this season; he lost a touchdown in the season opener by celebrating too early. He sure is lucky he didn’t cost the Ducks this time.
This is how close it was:
