I think I bailed out on Saturday night after the Clifford TD throw so I didn't see the (not a) fumble by Slade. I finished rewatching the 2nd half today and saw the play...and heard Blackledge's commentary.
As far as the play goes, it did look to me like Slade's knee was down just (and I mean just) prior to the ball getting ripped out. It was so instantaneous that I could see the chance of it being overturned was 50-50 at best. Still, Franklin had his challenge and had every right to use it. Regardless of his motives, that was his right and he exercised it.
As far as Blackledge goes...I thought he went a bit far criticizing Franklin. I think too that he would've left it alone but McDonough kinda egged him on a bit about it. And then you could tell that Todd thought it was a dick move and stopped just short of saying just that. I thought to myself, if it was Ohio State playing Michigan at Michigan, similar situation and Urbz challenged it, and Herbie was in the booth, would Herbie call out Urbz in a similar fashion? My guess is no but who's to say? My opinion of Blackledge has gone down a few notches, though. I still like him but he's in my doghouse.
But the best part to me was that Franklin's challenge made O'Neill get just that little bit wetter out there. Priceless.