Alabama's O-Line secret to success- illegal hands to the face

Submitted by RealElonMusk on December 15th, 2023 at 10:55 AM

After reviewing three Alabama games (Michigan 2020, Auburn 2023, Georgia 2023) I was shocked by how frequently I saw Alabama blockers use their hands on other players helmets and face masks to get blocks.  It is so frequent and consistent from 2020 to today that it must be an intentional technique that Alabama uses.   Seth and Brian, I'd appreciate your opinion on this as you do the Alabama Fi Fie Foe Film and Alabama preview. 

Auburn was not able to get any pass rush and I was surprised how little pressure Georgia was able to create.  There was also a lot of obvious holds/bearhugs that went uncalled.  While this is normal, when your arm is around the back of the defender how can an official miss this?

I hope Michigan sees this on film and makes the officials aware of it before the game and if it's happening during the game.  Here are 2 examples from just 1 drive in the Alabama/Georgia game:

 

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natesezgoblue

December 15th, 2023 at 4:54 PM ^

They have hands on their face, but none of those are hands to the face penalties.  Like holding its bound to happen frequently, but will not likely be called.  It will be called when an offensive player fully or almost fully extends their arm and locks their elbow. 

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