Quick kicks

OU and instant replay

A week after a crucial instant replay review went against Oklahoma in a loss at Oregon, the Big 12 Conference opened its replay box on the seventh level of Oklahoma’s Memorial Stadium for media to take a look about 90 minutes before game time.

Replay official David Ames showed off a flat-panel computer monitor on which conference replay officials watch the game while using a remote control to rewind, slow down and pause plays that are under review.

Each conference uses its own replay system, and Ames said the replay officials are always from the home team’s conference.

Asked whether replay officials should have their names released or not, Ames pointed out there is little anonymity either way.

The replay official at the Oklahoma-Oregon game, Gordon Reise, received threatening phone calls and even a death threat in days following the game.

Victims of attack honored

As far as Duquesne University was concerned, this was another routine at Rooney Field in Pittsburgh.

Football spectators cheered and applauded at the game against Sacred Heart, which the Dukes won 24-21.

But what happened early Sept. 17 a few yards from the gridiron was not forgotten.

A few minutes before kickoff, players, parents and students observed what the university called “a moment of reflection” to remember the five basketball players who were shot on campus while walking back from a dance.

All Duquesne athletes, including the football players on Saturday, now wear white wristbands with the No. 5 printed in black.

JoPa gets sick

Joe Paterno had never left the field during a game in 60 years as a player, an assistant or Penn State’s coach – until Saturday in Columbus, Ohio.

Midway through the second quarter of his team’s game with top-ranked Ohio State, a bout with the flu forced the 79-year-old Paterno to the locker room. He later returned.

“I’ve never walked off the field early,” Paterno said after Ohio State turned a close game into a 28-6 victory.

“I’m the kind of guy who doesn’t like to take pills or see a doctor. I thought I’d be fine.”

About time

Navy lost its first overtime game when Nick Graham blocked an extra-point attempt by Matt Harmon on the final play for a 24-23 Tulsa victory. North Texas State is now the only Division I-A school never to play an overtime game.