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Kirk Herbstreit, Joel Klatt defend Michigan WR Ronnie Bell from criticism for dropped pass
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With just 2:01 remaining in the game, Michigan trailed Penn State on the road 28-21. The Wolverines were storming back from a 21-0 deficit earlier in the game and faced a fourth-and-goal scenario.
Plenty was on the line of course, including potential College Football Playoff implications. What happened on the play?
Wolverines quarterback Shea Patterson evaded pressure and found a passing lane to get the ball to wide receiver Ronnie Bell in the end zone. All he had to do was haul it in and Michigan would have trailed 28-27 with a PAT incoming.
Except, Bell dropped it. He should have caught the ball, despite a Nittany Lions defender being right on his heels. Of course, Bell caught plenty of negative attention after the drop and eventual 28-21 loss to Penn State.
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After seeing all the negative publicity Bell was receiving, ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit and Fox’s Joel Klatt jumped to defend Bell:
One last thought. So impressed w/ @UMichFootball’s competitive spirit tonight. Down 21-0 & fought their way back to have a shot to tie late-QB is a fighter-Defense kept em within striking distance. Ronnie Bell-keep your head up man-you’re a great player-More opportunities comin!
— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) October 20, 2019
For all the trash fans that want to bag on Ronnie Bell.
He is a great young man and a great player!!
No one feels worse than him…Good chance you won't achieve 1/10 of what this young man has already achieved in your whole life!
Now go warm up the meatloaf
— Joel Klatt (@joelklatt) October 20, 2019
Safe to say that Herbstreit and Klatt don’t agree with the flack Bell has received. He dropped a pass in a meaningful spot. Is it the end of the world? Should he be bashed for eternity?
Not exactly.
Michigan had plenty of opportunities to do better in the game so that a fourth-and-goal scenario while trailing by seven didn’t have to determine the outcome in the game. Be better as a whole. That simple.
Kevin covers Big Ten football for Saturday Tradition.