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NBC Sports rules analyst explains controversial call on Cooper DeJean’s overturned TD

Paul Harvey

By Paul Harvey

Published:

NBC Sports rules analyst Reggie Smith was called on during Saturday’s game to try and clean up a wild sequence in the Minnesota vs. Iowa matchup.

With Minnesota clinging to a 12-10 lead, the Golden Gophers punted away to Cooper DeJean. The always-electric DeJean initially returned that punt for a touchdown but replay ruled he used an “invalid fair catch signal” prior to the return.

While it was a controversial moment, Smith believes the call was the right one. Here’s how he broke down the play:

“Initially, the punt returner points at the ball which is something that is allowed. However, with his left hand, he begins giving the ‘get away’ signal — as you can see him waving here,” Smith pointed out. “This constitutes an invalid fair catch signal. That’s not a penalty but it causes the ball to become dead at the spot of recovery. Proper ruling in replay.”

“So that’s because he gave the ‘get away’ signal?” questioned a member of the broadcast crew.

“That’s correct,” answered Smith.

Regardless of the ruling, it’s not going to help Iowa cope with Saturday’s loss. The Hawkeyes had clawed all their way to the B1G West lead and a top-25 ranking ahead of Week 8, and Iowa will now face an uphill struggle in the division.

Paul Harvey

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.