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WATCH: Strange call in Michigan State-Utah State game has Twitter criticizing officials
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The first half of Michigan State’s season opener against Utah State didn’t have much excitement. It did, however, have plenty of strange occurrences.
But one odd play by Spartans quarterback Brian Lewerke and a questionable ruling from the officials is drawing a particularly high amount of criticism.
In the first half of Friday’s game, Lewerke was being rushed by the Utah State defense and, before being brought to the ground, appeared to toss the ball away. But officials ruled that Lewerke fumbled and the Aggies defense recovered.
Yeah, that’s a weird explanation. Just have a look at the play:
1. What are you doing, Brian Lewerke?
2. That's an incomplete pass. pic.twitter.com/umDSOiepsg
— Sam Cooper (@SamDCooper) August 31, 2018
It wasn’t the smartest play from Lewerke, but it certainly didn’t look like a fumble.
After catching the play on replay, Twitter had plenty of criticism for the officials, especially since it didn’t go under review.
https://twitter.com/Ben_Jones88/status/1035681229880930304
Too early bad calls in the Utah State and Michigan State game Michigan State incomplete pass that was called a fumble and was not reviewed and a catch that was called on the field at the catch that was reversed with all so bad call
— Pat Sean Adams (@PatSeanAdams1) September 1, 2018
Lewerke with an ill-advised flip. Ruled a fumble, Utah State recovers. Looked like Scott was right there, however. Guessing this will be reviewed, but probably not overturned.
— Chris Solari (@chrissolari) August 31, 2018
Mike Pereira on the broadcast says he's stunned play wasn't halted for a review.
Looked like an incomplete pass to this person's eye.https://t.co/CjGIHCEMvI
— Freep Sports (@freepsports) August 31, 2018
So yeah, Michigan State, Utah State and the officiating crew were all off to a rough start in Friday night’s contest.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB