Outstanding hits delivered by defensive players during college football games often receive strong attention.
However, on Saturday fans were treated to a rare big hit—this time by an official.
While officials often gain air time for penalties either called or missed, in the Army-Boston College tilt the umpire found himself in the middle of the action.
In the second quarter, Eagles’ quarterback Thomas Castellanos headed up field on a designed rush on a second-and-9 play from near mid-field.
While eluding Army defenders, Castellanos collided with an official who lowered his shoulder upon contact sending the sophomore signal-caller straight to the turf.
Ref delivered the hit stick 😤😅
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) October 7, 2023
(via @CBSSportsCFB)pic.twitter.com/RhKOdocPf4
To be fair, the referee, despite not showing solid form, made one great tackle. Fans on social media were buzzing following the hit.
Touchdown-saving tackle by the ref! 🏈🦓 pic.twitter.com/H6r1dGzLwr
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) October 7, 2023
Ref in the Army BC game is built like a brick wall. pic.twitter.com/2JR4ltj7bU
— Sickos Committee (@SickosCommittee) October 7, 2023
The Ref laying the HAMMER down 🔨pic.twitter.com/uDXkZdoEsq
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) October 7, 2023
The ref might be the best Linebacker in this game 🤣pic.twitter.com/uNVYZOHdnN
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) October 7, 2023
The ref lowered the BOOM! 😳 https://t.co/gZexeQW1jt
— theScore Bet (@theScoreBet) October 7, 2023
Strong tackle to deny a first down 🧐 https://t.co/gm135D0apa
— Matthew Asher (@MatthewAsher) October 7, 2023
You just got JACKED UP https://t.co/NDlmedvoFz
— Robby Kalland (@RKalland) October 7, 2023
Great open field tackle by the umpire https://t.co/hmDn8P9clN
— Gary Darby (@GDarb65) October 7, 2023