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Forward pass or fumble? Controversial call in Illinois-Nebraska game leads to Illini touchdown
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This is not how Nebraska wanted to start off this game against Illinois.
Huskers quarterback Luke McCaffrey fumbled on the Huskers’ opening drive, leading to seven quick points from Illinois.
Or did he?
This was ruled a backwards pass and a fumble on the field. It was not reviewed despite being an incredibly close call. Here’s the play:
We've got an unusual fumble on the first play from scrimmage. 😮@IlliniFootball recovers near the red zone and punches it in for a 7-0 lead. pic.twitter.com/IuupPS5qDM
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) November 21, 2020
It may not have been overturned, but it’s surprising the booth officials didn’t elect to at least review the play. Illinois scored a few plays later to take a 7-0 lead.
Big Ten officiating is not off to a great start this week after taking some hefty criticism for a questionable offensive pass interference penalty in the Purdue-Minnesota game on Friday night.
Nebraska has won the last four meetings in this series.
Spenser is the news manager at Saturday Road and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.