'Mutual combat' on final play of Miami vs. Ole Miss: Explaining pass interference no-call at end of CFP semifinal

Daniel Mader

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'Mutual combat' on final play of Miami vs. Ole Miss: Explaining pass interference no-call at end of CFP semifinal image

After a back-and-forth fourth quarter in Thursday’s Fiesta Bowl, it was only fitting that it came down to one final play between Miami and Ole Miss.

The two teams exchanged leads throughout the final frame, but Carson Beck’s rushing touchdown with 18 seconds remaining proved to be the difference in the Hurricanes’ 31-27 win, sending them to the College Football Playoff championship game. Still, there was some controversy at the end.

On Trinidad Chambliss’ final Hail Mary attempt, which fell incomplete, officials ruled there was no pass interference by a Miami defender after he appeared to grab Rebels wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling’s jersey.

Here’s how officials ruled the play “mutual combat” between the defensive back and receiver, officially deciding the Fiesta Bowl and sending Miami to the national championship.

MORE: Breaking down Carson Beck's game-winning drive vs. Ole Miss

Explaining no-call on final play of Miami vs. Ole Miss

Trailing by four with just seconds remaining, Ole Miss had no other option than a Hail Mary attempt to close out the CFP semifinals. Chambliss fired a deep pass into the left corner of the end zone, almost right on target for his receiver, but it was broken up and fell incomplete.

In real time, it appeared there wasn't any case for pass interference. A few Miami defenders were in the area, and the ball wound up being just out of the reach of Stribling's arms.

Looking at further angles revealed at least a case for defensive pass interference, however. Defensive back Ethan O'Connor was visibly tugging on Stribling's jersey prior the ball arriving, then when Stribling went to make a dive toward the ball, he was smothered by Hurricanes defenders as the ball fell incomplete.

ESPN's rules expert referred to the play as "mutual combat," with both players, O'Connor and Stribling, playing a role in the physicality. 

Plenty of fans online, however, saw the play as O'Connor interfering for a few yards before the players entangled closer to the ball

Even former Rebels coach Lane Kiffin chimed in, calling it pass interference.

After the game, Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding was asked about the potential pass interference.

"Those situations are tough to call. Yeah, there was contact. It happens a lot," Golding said, per The Rebel Walk. "That's not why we lost the game. I think it shows you the resilience of this team."

MORE: What's next for Trinidad Chambliss after loss to Miami?

What is mutual combat?

"Mutual combat" in football is typically a term used to describe a receiver and defensive back being "mutually" as physical with one another on a play, meaning no penalty would be called despite that physicality. 

With the receiver and defensive back competing for the ball, officials sometimes leave potential pass interference as a no-call because of how entangled both players are in the interaction. If one player is blatantly interfering, that changes things, but "mutual combat" is more about reciprocal hand-fighting reflected on both players.

MORE: What's next for Trinidad Chambliss after Ole Miss' season ending?

What is pass interference?

In college football, defensive pass interference is flagged when a defensive player significantly prevents an eligible receiver's chance to catch a pass beyond the neutral zone. It typically is called for contact like grabbing, pushing or tripping the receiver before the ball arrives.

Pass interference only applies to forward passes that travel beyond the neutral zone in college football.

MORE: Breaking down Trinidad Chambliss' NFL Draft projection

2003 Fiesta Bowl pass interference controversy

Thursday's pass interference debate was a bit reminiscent of another Fiesta Bowl. In 2003, with Miami taking on Ohio State in the BCS national championship, Terry Porter threw one of the most controversial flags ever, just when the Hurricanes had appeared to take a 24-17 win in overtime and win the national title.

Porter called pass interference on Miami's Glenn Sharp, and because of it, Ohio State stayed alive in the game and received a first down. The Buckeyes then proceeded to tie the game, then win it in a second overtime.

Part of the controversy was how long it took Porter to throw the flag, as a few seconds had passed after the play and Miami appearing to win. The Hurricanes had begun celebrating by the time the flag came out.

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