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Big Ten issues statement on major officiating error from Nebraska’s loss to Ohio State
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Big Ten COO Kerry Kenny has released a statement on a crucial call that officials got wrong late in the first half of Ohio State’s win over Nebraska. The call involves a crucial spot on the final drive of the half.
With Nebraska driving, running back Emmett Johnson carried the ball on 2nd-and-2 with a run that appeared to easily pick up the line-to-gain. The FOX broadcast duo of Joel Klatt and Gus Johnson were also incredulous as officials eventually spotted Johnson well short of the first-down marker.
The spot looked egregious to many watching the game live, and it was further compounded by the fact officials did not stop the game for a review. As a result, the Huskers lost precious time and were eventually forced to settle for a long field goal ahead of the half.
On Monday, Kenny has confirmed that officials missed the original spot while saying Johnson crossed the 37-yard line and should have been awarded a new set of downs. He also confirmed that play should have been halted for a booth review as the play involved the line-to-gain.
Here is Kenny’s full statement:
“During Nebraska’s final drive of the first half, on second down with two yards to gain on the Ohio State 39-yard line, the ball was incorrectly spotted after a run by Cornhuskers RB [Emmett] Johnson. The ball carrier crossed the 37-yard line and a first down should have been awarded to Nebraska.
“Replay should have stopped the game to review the spot since it involved the line-to-gain.”
In the end, that will be small solace for Husker fans who felt there were several missed or questionable calls that ultimately went against Nebraska in the close loss. Instead of the marquee upset, the Huskers will go back to the drawing board to try and regroup and punch bowl eligibility in Week 10.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.