Terrell Owens deserved a flag.

Jake Locker did not.

It truly is that simple.

The NCAA decided to make excessive celebration a point of emphasis for officials this season, and Locker became an example after the Washington quarterback let his excitement show after a clutch performance.

After diving into the end zone for a 3-yard touchdown that pulled the Huskies within 28-27 of nationally-ranked BYU with just two seconds left in regulation, Locker jumped to his feet and threw his arms and the ball in the air as his teammates mobbed him.

According to the NCAA, there is where he erred.

The rules state players are to hand the ball to an official or lay it on the ground. Since Locker tossed the ball in the air, he was hit with a 15-yard unsportsmanlike penalty.

It became a critical call as the extra point attempt following Locker's touchdown was pushed back to the 35-yard line. BYU blocked the attempt and escaped with the victory, leaving a majority of the sports-viewing public questioning why such a call was made.

It comes down to how the rule is interpreted.

Like most calls, this one is subjective. How high did Locker throw the ball? Was he trying to show up the opponent? What was his intent?

That's the critical part of this discussion.

Locker's intent wasn't to upstage anyone. An NCAA official appearing on ESPN radio Monday said the rule was instituted so that players did not draw attention to themselves. The NCAA wants the focus to remain on the team.

In this case, it was the team celebrating, not Locker alone.

That was a different case on Sunday during the Dallas Cowboys' romp over the Cleveland Browns. After catching a 35-yard touchdown pass from Tony Romo, Owens lined up at the goal line and acted as if he was prepping like a sprinter for an Olympic event.

He was immediately flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct, and rightfully so.

The move was premeditated. That's nothing unusual. This is the same player who stuck a Sharpie in his sock and signed the football after scoring a touchdown during a Monday Night Football game while playing for the 49ers.

Locker never planned his action. He simply reacted to the moment.

That's a critical difference.

The NCAA and its officials need to re-examine how the rule is interpreted, and those sticklers who have backed the NCAA by saying "a rule is a rule" need to remember why so many fans nationwide are endeared to the college game.

It's emotion, like the kind Locker showed.

-- mschuckman@whig.com/221-3366