An incorrectly-flown penalty flag at the worst possible time has prompted a change in procedure in how the Big Ten officiates onside kicks.
With 1:37 to play in Saturday's Minnesota-Michigan game, the Golden Gophers recovered an onside kick inside the Michigan 40-yard line, momentarily giving them possession down 27-24, after beginning the fourth quarter trailing 24-3.
However, the recovery was overturned due to an onside call.
Double however, replay showed no Gopher was actually offside. See for yourself below.
Minnesota submitted the play to the Big Ten, who did not acknowledge the call was wrong but also announced the conference would adjust its officials' positioning to get more eyeballs on the "restraining line."
"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," the conference announced Monday.
“We credit the Big Ten Conference for recognizing the need to make this change to ensure accurate calls in the future," Minnesota head coach PJ Fleck said, bitterly I'm sure.
While no one can say what would've happened had Minnesota properly kept the ball, the Gophers had scored touchdowns on their last three possessions and needed only a field goal to force a tie. The call, at the very least, cost Minnesota a chance to move to 3-2 on the season and 1-1 in Big Ten play. Instead, Fleck's team is 2-3 overall and 0-2 in conference..
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.