Washington found a lot of terrible ways to outgain Ruters 521 to 299 and still lose by three points. They missed three field goals. They turned the ball over on downs twice. They had several drive-killing personal foul penalties.
However, the big killer was one of the dumbest plays I have ever seen. With 36 seconds left in the half, UW blocked a Rutgers field-goal attempt. It looked like the worst Washington could do was go into the half down 4 points.
But, while the players scrambled for the loose ball, a Washington player ran on to the field to celebrate. He ran directly in front of an official, who immediately threw the flag.
Instead of getting the ball back, Washington was penalized for 12 men on the field. Rutgers got a first down, and on the next play they scored a TD. Instead of 7-3, the score was now 14-3. UW went on to lose by 3.
Is this dumber than being about to score a TD and dropping the ball before you cross the goal line? Is there any football player who knows you don't run on to the field to celebrate while the play is going on? I am guessing there is one less ignorant player today.