DENVER (AP) – Western Athletic Conference commissioner Karl Benson said Wednesday the replay official in the Wisconsin-Fresno State game made a mistake when he overturned a fumble call during the third quarter.
Wisconsin appeared to be in position to get another score when DeAndre Levy recovered a fumble by Devon Wylie at the Fresno State 26 in the third quarter with Badgers leading 10-0. But the call was overturned on a replay review, ruled an incomplete pass, and the Bulldogs went on to score on that drive.
Wisconsin won the game 13-10.
“The WAC holds officials accountable for their performance,” Benson said. “And when errors are made, especially those that may have an impact on the outcome of a game, it is necessary to hold an official accountable for the mistake.”
NCAA rules require there be indisputable video evidence in order to overturn a call made by an official on the field.
Benson added, “After reviewing video of the play with Jim Blackwood, WAC supervisor of football officials, we concluded there was not indisputable evidence. Thus, per NCAA rules the play should not have been overturned.”
each game. At the end of the season, these evaluations are used to determine officiating assignments for bowl games and whether an official is retained for the following year.
The ruling comes three days after NFL referee Ed Hochuli admitted he erred on a call in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s San Diego-Denver game.
The play occurred with the Broncos at the Chargers 1 in the final minute. Denver quarterback Jay Cutler dropped back to pass, the ball slipped out of his hands, bounced off the grass and into the arms of San Diego linebacker Tim Dobbins.
Hochuli ruled it an incomplete pass. Replay ruled it a fumble, but it was spotted at the 10-yard line, where the ball hit the ground, and given to Denver because the rules did not permit possession to be awarded to San Diego because the whistle had blown.
Denver went on to score, convert a 2-point conversion and win 39-38.
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