Big 12 Admits Replay Error on BYU Touchdown Against Arizona State

Big 12 Admits Replay Error

The Big 12 acknowledged an officiating mistake in No. 8 BYU's 27-20 win over Arizona State on Saturday. Replay officials incorrectly awarded the Cougars a first quarter touchdown.

On BYU's first offensive possession, quarterback Bear Bachmeier attempted a run up the middle on second and goal from the 1 yard line. Bachmeier fumbled the ball, but running back Sione Moa picked it up and ran into the end zone.

Officials initially whistled the play dead and ruled Bachmeier was down with forward progress at the 1 yard line. After reviewing the play, officials determined Bachmeier fumbled and BYU recovered at the 1 yard line. A second review from the Big 12 replay operations center in Irving, Texas concluded the play should be overturned to a touchdown.

Explaining the Incorrect Call

In a statement released after the game, the Big 12 said the play should have been stopped at the 2 yard line where Moa recovered the fumble. The conference cited rules stating that a recovered ball belongs to the recovering team at the spot of recovery and any advance is nullified if the ball is not dead.

The Big 12 stated that replay was incorrect in awarding a score. The conference confirmed that the correct ruling should have been BYU ball for a third and goal from the 2 yard line.

Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham argued with officials on the field and expressed his disappointment after the game. Dillingham said he tried to argue that Moa had the right to recover the ball post whistle, but it was not a clear advancement, meaning the ball should have been placed at the 3 yard line. Dillingham added that the on field officials were not at fault because they did not have a say in the call made back home.

Third Straight Week of Officiating Controversies

The error marks the third consecutive week that a BYU game contained questionable officiating decisions.

Following BYU's 28-24 victory over Notre Dame on Oct. 17, the Big 12 admitted that one second should have been restored to the clock. That adjustment would have allowed the Fighting Irish one final play to win the game.

In BYU's 39-31 double overtime road loss at UCF last Saturday, the game went to overtime after the Cougars blocked a 47 yard field goal attempt on third down. UCF kicker Will Stone recovered the ball, but officials ruled his helmet coming off triggered a 10 second runoff, preventing a second kick attempt.

What it means for the next game

BYU Cougars at Utah Utes (College Football, Sat, 07 Nov): Utah Utes win 57%, BYU Cougars win 43%; projected score Utah Utes 27, BYU Cougars 22. Our safest pick: Utah +5.5.

Colorado Buffaloes at Arizona State Sun Devils (College Football, Sun, 08 Nov): Arizona State Sun Devils win 82%, Colorado Buffaloes win 18%; projected score Arizona State Sun Devils 33, Colorado Buffaloes 19. Our safest pick: Arizona St to win.