For the third week in a row, a BYU game had a controversy involving Big 12 officials. Big 12 officials were under fire for their decision not to put a second back on the clock at the end of BYU's win over Notre Dame. Last week, officials made several questionable decisions before UCF upset the Cougars.
On Saturday, Big 12 officials ruled a play dead after BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier fumbled the ball on a quarterback sneak near the goal line. After consulting replay, the officials awarded Cougars running back Sione Moa a touchdown. The touchdown gave No. 12 BYU an early 7-0 lead on the Arizona State Sun Devils at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
More News: Exclusive: Breakout NFL Executives Who Could Become Future General Managers More News: 4 QBs Generating Serious Trade Buzz Weeks Before NFL Regular Season Starts It was unclear why the Big 12 officials allowed the runner to advance after the play was blown dead for forward progress. On the Fox broadcast, Robert Griffin III said it was the third week in a row the officials made up rules. "This is three weeks in a row where we've had Big 12 officials just making up rules as they go," Griffin said.
NBC rules analyst and former NFL official Terry McAulay disagreed with the ruling, calling it a "stunning rules error." "This is a stunning rules error by Replay," McAulay posted on X. "As Mike (Pereira) noted, given the forward progress ruling, certainly incorrect, the rules only allow the ball to be awarded to the recovering player. There can be no subsequent advance after review." The controversial decision reflects poorly on the Big 12.
The conference is having a hard time following the rules of college football. McAulay noted that the conference was trying to skirt NCAA rules when it comes to fan behavior when the Big 12 suggested that a 15-yard penalty could be awarded based on fan behavior (anti-LDS chants directed at BYU). For more on the NCAA, head to Newsweek Sports.
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