jeff, 2 of the under inflated balls were still used in the game, as they were refilled to regulation at halftime. that makes me think that they were just barely under the legal limit, and that it was an honest mistake on the student manager's part. not really a fireable offense, imo, however, his actions did lead to the university being fined and reprimanded by the conference. that alone got him canned.

if the 2 in play balls were obviously under-inflated, like say around 10-11 psi, more than a pound less than the acceptable limit, then that also falls on the refs as well, for failing to notice the difference. however, if you were matt barkley, would you want to practice all week with a football feeling a specific way, and then, during the biggest game of the season, you get a football that feels way different to you? in my mind, in the midst of the biggest game of the season, encountering a different feeling ball could be an unneccessary distraction....might also lead to some bad throws as well?