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Big 12 Admits Refs' Error in Notre Dame-BYU Game
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.
Fans and analysts immediately noticed that there should have been one second left on the clock, giving Notre Dame a chance to run another play.
With 4 seconds left and trailing by 4 points in the red zone, Notre Dame attempted a pass play that was broken up by a BYU player.
After a brief discussion, officials signaled the end of the game, and BYU fans stormed the field at Lavell Edwards Stadium.
Hours after the game, the Big 12 released a statement confirming the mistake and that Notre Dame should have had another play to potentially win.
The conference said it will conduct a complete review of its end-of-game officiating process in advance of next week’s games.
Notre Dame entered the game with a 6-0 record and was favored to win, but the officiating error took away their final chance to secure a victory.
The Irish needed a touchdown on the game's final play to defeat the Cougars, but CJ Carr's pass to Jade Greathouse fell incomplete.
Instant replay during the TV broadcast showed one more second on the clock when Notre Dame's pass hit the turf.
The Cougars and Irish are scheduled to meet again in 2027, but this game will be remembered for the officiating error that altered its outcome.
What this adds
The Big 12's admission of the error highlights the need for more accountability in officiating decisions that can significantly impact game outcomes.
What's confirmed
- 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.
What's still developing
- The Big 12 is admitting refs made a huge mistake at the end of the Notre Dame-BYU game.
- When are we finally going to hold officials accountable for making game altering decisions rather than throw our hands up and say, “my bad bro, we missed that one.” Too many terrible decisions this year that have gone unpunished.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Notre Dame enters the game with a 6-0 record this season and 16 consecutive wins by double digits (the longest active winning streak in the FBS and program history).
- Notre Dame is scoring 44.0 points per game and allowing 11.0 points per game defensively as the nation’s No. 4-ranked defense.
- 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.