THE Big Ten didn’t take long to make a rule change following a controversial call late in the Michigan Wolverines’ win over the Minnesota Gophers last weekend.
The rarely-done move occurred on Monday – two days after Michigan’s Week 5 win.
The Michigan Wolverines players celebrate with the Little Brown Jug after beating the Minnesota Golden Gophers 27-24 on September 28[/caption]
Minnesota Golden Gophers place kicker Dragan Kesich kicks an onside kick late in the fourth quarter during the team’s loss[/caption]
ESPN college football writer Pete Thamel reported that the Big Ten has changed the rules as they will now place the line judge and head line judge on the kicking team’s restraining line during kickoffs.
“Effective immediately, the Big Ten has been approved by the NCAA to implement a modified officiating mechanic that will allow the conference to change the manner in which it officiates onside kicks by positioning the Line Judge and Head Line-Judge on the kicking team’s restraining line, thereby putting multiple officials in the best position to consistently make the correct judgment,” the Big Ten statement said on the rule change.
The NCAA approved the change to the officiating mechanic.
Trailing the Wolverines 27-24 with less than two minutes remaining, the Gophers attempted an onside kick which they successfully recovered.
However, an offsides penalty was called and Minnesota had to re-do the onside kick.
Michigan would recover the second attempted onside kick and run out the clock to win the game.
The Big Ten, in a statement, did not acknowledge the offside call was incorrect.
“We submitted the play to the Big Ten Coordinator of Officials for review,” Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck said in a statement, referring to official Bill Carollo.
“The Coordinator informed us the play was too tight to flag.
“We credit the Big Ten Conference for recognizing the need to make this change to ensure accurate calls in the future.”
The play was not reviewable.
Fox officiating analyst Mike Pereira and analyst Chris Petersen took issue with the ruling.
“I’m sick to my stomach right now,” said former coach Petersen.
“I just hate to see this when the officials are making something up. Like I don’t know why they would throw that flag.
Wolverines place kicker Dominic Zvada holds the Little Brown Jug following the home victory[/caption]
“To me, these are always close calls, that ball’s kicked. … What are we doing? Let the kids play.”
If the Gophers recovered the onside kick successfully, the squad would’ve had a chance to tie or win the game.
They are now 2-3 while the Wolverines are 4-1 and still have hopes to make the College Football Playoffs.
Minnesota will face the No. 11 USC Trojans this weekend.
As for Michigan, they will take on the home team Washington Huskies.
