Not having instant replay available to reverse a call could cost a football team, robbing it of a square victory.

Then again, having it would definitely cost every team.

As college football stakes continue to rise, a movement toward implementing instant replay is growing. But several factors are keeping it on the ground.

‘The number one issue is cost,’ Syracuse Director of Athletics Jake Crouthamel said. ‘Then if only one school or one league does it there’s an inconsistency. It’s about getting together and using the same system and same operation. The NFL can do that but we can’t.’

Crouthamel said the instant replay issue has ‘been raised’ at Big East meetings but has yet to be formally discussed.

Which is to say, the Big East is a step or two behind the Big Ten.

After numerous complaints about officiating by Big Ten coaches last season, headed by Penn State head coach Joe Paterno, the Big Ten reviewed its officiating system in the offseason. Paterno had several on-field screaming matches with officials last season over calls that he felt cost his team the game. In the review, the Big Ten found 20-25 calls out of more than 13,000 in conference games would have been reversed if replay was implemented.

Following the evaluation, the Big Ten decided to use replay on a purely experimental basis this season. In a press release concerning the officiating review, the conference said replay will be used only in selected conference games and will not affect the calls on the field. The information will then be reviewed following the season but not be made public.

‘On a personal level, I can see cases where I would be for it or against it,’ Big Ten commissioner Jim Delaney said Aug. 14. ‘I’ve seen it used effectively in college basketball in a limited way. I’ve seen it used effectively in the NBA. I question the amount it’s used in the NFL. Technology can be used and sometimes it can become too intrusive.’

Several Big East coaches would like instant replay to be put under review. Besides the cost – the Big Ten estimates that replay technology could cost anywhere from $2 million to $20 million per season – many schools don’t have every game televised, which could force additional replay equipment to be purchased.

But to many coaches around the league, the accuracy of calls sometimes outweighs the potential downsides of replay. In college football, one missed call could cost the team a game, and that one loss could cost a bowl bid or even a national championship. Fortunately for coaches, they don’t have to balance a budget – that task is left for athletic directors.

‘If colleges could afford to do it and get set up with the equipment I would probably be for it,’ Syracuse head coach Paul Pasqualoni said. ‘Sometimes in college football the cost issue outweighs everything else. For example, we don’t have the speakers in quarterbacks’ helmets that they have in the NFL.’

Said Miami head coach Larry Coker: ‘In certain areas it’s very good. You’d hate to let a bad call ruin a game. But everyone is trying to shorten the game.’

With college games already taking longer than NFL games, some lasting well over three-and-a-half hours, replay would tack on even more time.

Despite these issues, the Big Ten received unanimous support from its coaches and support from five of 11 athletic directors. The league has not discussed what action it will take if the trial is successful, and currently no other major conferences have come close to the stage that the Big Ten is at. But any decision to actually reverse calls through replay in games must be approved by the NCAA.

‘Our goal is to get the calls right,’ Big East associate commissioner for communications John Paquette said. ‘Some coaches have expressed replay interest, but we have to look at the costs involved.’

Syracuse (-2) at North Carolina

1:30 P.M.

Coming off one of their worst seasons in recent history, including a 30-22 home loss to the Tar Heels, the Orangemen should be ready for revenge. Led by the rushing attack of junior Walter Reyes and sophomore Damien Rhodes, SU should run the ball early.

After getting pounded last weekend, 37-0, at home by Florida State, UNC will likely look to pass against an untested SU secondary.

Pick: UNC 34, Syracuse 31

Washington State at No. 19 Notre Dame (-5.5)

2:30 P.M.

The season opener for the Irish, who look to repeat last season’s remarkable success story under Tyrone Willingham. Notre Dame returns eight defensive starters from a unit that posted two shutouts.

Washington State opened the Bill Doba era last weekend with a 25-0 thrashing of Idaho. The Cougars ran for more than 300 yards, including 160 from senior Jonathan Smith.

After WSU’s victory over lightweight Idaho, the Cougars will find the trip to South Bend much more difficult.

Pick: Notre Dame 19, Washington St. 6

UCLA at No. 24 Colorado (-2.5)

3:30 P.M.

The Buffaloes come in riding the momentum after last weekend’s 42-35 victory over arch-rival Colorado State. In that game, Colorado quarterback Joel Klatt silenced his critics in his first career start throwing for 402 yards and four touchdowns in the victory.

The Bruins start the season under new coach Karl Dorrell, who replaced Bob Toledo after last season’s 8-5 campaign. Sophomore Matt Moore beat out fellow sophomore Drew Olson for UCLA’s starting quarterback spot but still must prove himself.

Pick: Colorado 38, UCLA 17

Maryland at No. 11 Florida St. (-14)

7:15 P.M.

The Terps come in looking to avoid an 0-2 start after last week’s embarrassing, 20-13 overtime loss to Northern Illinois. Maryland also must combat its 0-13 all-time record against the Seminoles. The Terps have never come within 14 points of Bobby Bowden’s squad.

The defending ACC champion Seminoles showed championship form in their 37-0 win over UNC, a game in which they racked up 553 offensive yards. In Tallahassee only championships matter, and after two straight sub-par seasons the pressure is on.

Pick: Florida State 31, Maryland 14

No. 21 Florida at No. 3 Miami (-14.5)

8 P.M.

All eyes will be on Miami quarterback Brock Berlin as he makes his first start against his former teammates. Berlin impressed last week in a 48-9 win over Louisiana Tech, throwing for 203 yards and two touchdowns.

The Gators had their way last week as well, defeating San Jose State, 65-3. A much tougher test awaits this Saturday as they head into the Orange Bowl, where Miami hasn’t lost since September 1999.

In last season’s matchup, the ‘Canes manhandled the Gators, 41-16, the fourth straight win in the series for Miami.

Pick: Miami 27, Florida 17

Published on September 3, 2003 at 12:00 pm