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B1G office admits to officiating mistakes in Michigan-Michigan State game, Jim Harbaugh says

Derek Peterson

By Derek Peterson

Published:

“Mistakes were made,” said Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh on Monday, and the Big Ten has reportedly admitted to the Wolverines that errors in officiating were made during Michigan State’s 37-33 win over Michigan on Oct. 30.

Speaking with members of the media on Monday, Harbaugh remained focused on the rivalry game two weekends ago. There were two key replay reviews in the game, both of which went the way of the Spartans. Harbaugh told reporters on Monday that “the film doesn’t lie.”

According to Angelique Chengelis of The Detroit News, Harbaugh says the Big Ten specifically told Michigan the overturn of a fumble recovery and touchdown by UM defensive end Aidan Hutchinson was a mistake.

It was a key play right at the end of the first half. Michigan linebacker David Ojabo appeared to strip Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne on a sack and the loose ball was recovered in the end zone by Hutchinson. On the field, officials ruled it a fumble and recovery by Michigan resulting in a score, but on review, the fumble was overturned. Officials said Thorne’s shin was down before the ball came loose.

Instead of going up 26-14, pending the ensuing extra point, Michigan’s lead remained at 20-14.

The Wolverines added a field goal just before the halftime break to go up by 9, but the Spartans outscored them 23-10 in the second half to win.

After the game, Harbaugh said the overturn “should have never happened.” A week later, after beating Indiana 29-7 to move to 8-1 on the season, it would appear the Big Ten has agreed with him.

Derek Peterson

Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.