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Controversial pass interference call wipes out critical first down play for Wisconsin

Paul Harvey

By Paul Harvey

Published:

Wisconsin made plenty of mistakes in the Rose Bowl, but one late penalty called on the Badgers was particularly controversial.

During the game, Wisconsin committed four turnovers and also had a missed field goal. It can truly be said the Badgers made enough mistakes to beat themselves, but that doesn’t take away from the questionable nature of this penalty.

Facing a third down late in the game, Wisconsin QB Jack Coan dropped back and completed a pass for a crucial first down. Unfortunately, Danny Davis III was flagged for offensive pass interference. That wiped out the conversion and led to a third-and-20 which Wisconsin was unable to convert.

Replays showed the incident, and there did not appear to be much on the play. Davis and his defender were locked up and fighting off the line of scrimmage with Coan throwing in the general area of the two players. That led to the flag being thrown as it appeared Davis was blocking his man downfield.

In the end, Wisconsin punted after facing a fourth-and-20 from deep inside its own territory. Oregon was able to run out the clock and secure a 28-27 victory in the Rose Bowl.

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.