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Big 12 admits error in Notre Dame-BYU ending, says Irish had 1 second left
Confirmed
In Short: The Big 12 has admitted that referees made a significant error at the end of the Notre Dame-BYU game, stating that one second should have remained on the clock when the ball hit the ground.
The Big 12 has admitted that referees made a significant error at the end of the Notre Dame-BYU game, stating that one second should have remained on the clock when the ball hit the ground. The conference released a statement confirming the mistake and that Notre Dame should have had another play to potentially win the game.
With 4 seconds left and trailing by 4 points, Notre Dame ran a pass play that was broken up by BYU. The play was incorrectly cleared by the replay officiating crew, and the game was prematurely ended.
Hours after the game, the Big 12 released a statement confirming the refs made a mistake. The conference said one second should have been placed back on the clock at the end of the game, giving the Fighting Irish one final play to win.
The Big 12 said, “Following the Big 12’s review of the final play of Saturday’s Notre Dame-BYU game, it was determined that time remained on the clock when the ball hit the ground and the play was incorrectly cleared by the replay officiating crew. The Conference will conduct a complete review of its end-of-game officiating process in advance of next week’s games.”
Instant replay during the TV broadcast showed one more second on the clock when Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr’s pass hit the turf. The play should have ended with one second on the clock, which would have allowed Notre Dame another shot at a game-winning touchdown.
BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier threw for 224 yards, one touchdown, and an interception, and he ran for 45 yards and two scores. Bachmeier had additional motivation for the game, stating, “Out of high school, Notre Dame disrespected me and my family pretty badly, and I wasn't going to lose to those guys.”
Notre Dame entered the game with a 6-0 record and 16 consecutive wins by double digits, the longest active winning streak in the FBS and program history. The Fighting Irish are scoring 44.0 points per game and allowing 11.0 points per game defensively.
BYU is scoring 34.6 points per game and allowing 13.4 points per game defensively. The Cougars are coming off a 24-10 win over Iowa State, where they outgained Iowa State in yardage, 506-200.
The Big 12’s admission of the officiating error highlights the need for a thorough review of the end-of-game officiating process. Fans and analysts are calling for accountability in such critical moments.
The Irish and Cougars are scheduled to meet again in 2027, adding another layer of anticipation to their rivalry.
The game was aired on ABC, and Notre Dame is currently a 10.5-point favorite over BYU with an over/under of 47.5 points.
Background
The Big 12 has admitted that referees made a significant error at the end of the Notre Dame-BYU game, stating that one second should have remained on the clock when the ball hit the ground.
What's confirmed
- The Big 12 is admitting refs made a huge mistake at the end of the Notre Dame-BYU game.
- Fans immediately noticed that there should have been one second left on the clock, and Notre Dame should have had a chance to run another play.
- With 4 seconds left and down 4 in the red zone, Notre Dame ran a pass play that a BYU player broke up.
- Hours after the game ended, the Big 12 released a statement confirming the refs made a mistake and that Notre Dame should’ve been able to run another play.
- Instant replay during the TV broadcast showed one more second on the clock when Notre Dame QB CJ Carr’s pass hit the turf.
- It's another for the Big 12 to admit the officials allowed the game to end with one second on the clock.
What's still developing
- While most of America was wondering whether pass interference should have been called on BYU at the end of the No. 8 Cougars' 28-24 victory vs. No. 2 Notre Dame on Saturday, another college football officiating gaffe was hiding in plain sight if anyone took the time in the moment to look.
- In Week 1, Michigan was given an additional second to complete a Hail Mary, which they did, to rip the heart out of Western Michigan and momentarily save face from an embarrassing moment.
- The Irish needed a touchdown on the game's final play to defeat the Cougars, but CJ Carr's heave to Jade Greathouse fell to the turf on the end zone as officials signaled the end of the game after a brief discussion and BYU fans stormed the field at Lavell Edwards Stadium.
- Notre Dame hit a field goal in the first quarter and then found the end zone in the second with running back Nolan James Jr. hitting paydirt to give them a 10-7 lead.
- With three seconds to go, CJ Carr attempted to find Jaden Greathouse, but the pass went out the back of the end zone and fell incomplete.
- But even if the Fighting Irish had chances to win before the final play, the Big 12 officials took away that final play through sheer incompetence, which is not remotely acceptable.
- For Notre Dame: Hunting for their first national championship since 1988, the Fighting Irish roll into Provo with a 6-0 record and arguably the most talented roster in the sport.
- 2 Notre Dame or any of the other Week 7 college football lines, this weekend presents an opportunity to collect more than $3,000 in sign-up bonuses by using the top sportsbook promos from some of the best betting apps.
- The latest Week 7 college football odds list the Crimson Tide (-8.5, 51.5) as road favorites over the Volunteers and the Fighting Irish (-10, 47.5) as road favorites over the Cougars.
- It is Ohio State's second top-five matchup of the season.
- How to watch Notre Dame vs BYU in a massive Top 10 matchup in college football.
- There's a major test for two of the best-performing teams in college football today, as the Notre Dame Fighting Irish go on the road to face the BYU Cougars in Week 7.