Big Ten refs give Jeremiah Smith benefit of doubt in Ohio State win over Michigan originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
With 7:42 left in the second quarter, Julian Sayin threw a perfect 35-yard touchdown pass to Jeremiah Smith, giving Ohio State its first lead at 10-6. Replays showed Smith juggling the ball as he crossed the goal line, then losing it out the back of the end zone.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFOX analyst Mike Pereira quickly stated, “If they rule he didn’t have control, that’s a touchback; the ball goes to Michigan at the 20.” The review booth in Indianapolis examined every angle for three minutes. Finally, the call stood: touchdown. Big Ten referee Kole Knueppel explained,
“We did not have a camera angle to determine when the ball was loose compared to when it crossed the goal line. By rule, if we don’t have obvious video evidence that the ball was loose before he crossed the goal line, the play is upheld.”
In other words, inconclusive evidence means the call on the field remains. There was no clear proof to overturn it. Smith himself admitted after the game that he thought he lost the ball, but the rulebook worked in his favor. The touchdown changed the momentum permanently. Ohio State never trailed again. Michigan fans were furious.
Some described it as highway robbery.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBut the rules were followed; no indisputable video evidence existed to reverse the call. The freshman star ended with three catches for 40 yards and the crucial score. The decision will be debated in Ann Arbor bars for decades.
However, the rule is clear: when the booth can’t determine the exact moment the ball comes loose compared to the pylon, the offense keeps the points.
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