A controversial ending to Saturday’s contest between Michigan and Minnesota has sparked a rule change from the Big Ten.
Per ESPN’s Pete Thamel, the conference will allow a rule change that will position the line judge and the head line judge on the kicking team’s restraining line during onside kicks.
“Effective immediately, the Big Ten has been approved by the NCAA to implement a modified officiating mechanic that will allow the conference to change the manner in which it officiates onside kicks by positioning the Line Judge and Head Line-Judge on the kicking team’s restraining line, thereby putting multiple officials in the best position to consistently make the correct judgment,” a statement from the Big Ten said.
As Minnesota trailed Michigan 27-24 with less than two minutes to play, the Gophers successfully recovered an onside kick, but an offsides penalty was called. The play was not reviewable and Minnesota was not allowed to challenge, so the Gophers had to attempt another onside kick, which was recovered by Michigan.
Though the play did prompt a review and rule change from the Big Ten, the conference did not confirm whether the call was wrong.
“We credit the Big Ten Conference for recognizing the need to make this change to ensure accurate calls in the future,” Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck said in a statement, per Thamel.
Had Minnesota recovered the onside kick successfully, it would have had the chance to march down the field and potentially tie or take the lead in the waning moments of the game. Instead, it is 2-3 and the Wolverines’ College Football Playoff hopes are still alive.
Now fueled by Saturday’s heartbreaking finish, Minnesota will have the chance for another upset this week as it takes on No. 11 USC. The No. 10 Wolverines will take on Washington on the road as they look to bolster their CFP resume.
Leave a Reply