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Indiana gets granted possession after controversial fumble call against Northwestern

Kevin Cunningham

By Kevin Cunningham

Published:

On Indiana’s first possession of the game, the team marched down the field and eventually got stopped by the Northwestern defense. The Hoosiers settled for a field goal.

Northwestern then got its first possession and lost it on the very first play due to a fumble. However, was it actually a fumble? It was ruled as such, but let’s take a closer look:

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Again, did Northwestern’s Aidan Smith actually fumble? He touched the ground with his hands holding onto the ball. That being said, you can see the ball moving.

It was going to come out at any second. What is the rule on that? Did he truly lose possession despite holding onto the ball still as it is juggling loose?

The referees on the field seemed to think he lost possession. Hence, why Indiana got the ball and proceeded to score a touchdown. The Hoosiers built a 10-0 lead rather quickly.

Indiana-Northwestern can be seen on FS1.

Kevin Cunningham

Kevin covers Big Ten football for Saturday Tradition.