Big 12 Officials Admit Error in BYU Touchdown Against Arizona State

The Big 12 Conference confirmed on Sunday that its replay officials made an error during Saturday's game between BYU and Arizona State. The mistake resulted in a touchdown for the Cougars, who defeated the Sun Devils 27-20.

The disputed play occurred in the first quarter. BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier attempted a run from the one-yard line and fumbled the ball. Teammate Sione Moa recovered the loose ball and carried it into the end zone. The on-field crew initially ruled Bachmeier down short of the goal line. A subsequent review determined he had fumbled, and a second review confirmed Moa's score.

The conference cited Rule 12-3-3-d-2 in its admission. A statement from the Big 12 noted that replay was incorrect in awarding the score. The proper ruling should have been a third-and-goal situation for BYU from the two-yard line. The core of the error involved a team's ability to advance the ball after a blown whistle.

Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham voiced his frustration immediately after the call and reiterated his concerns in postgame interviews. He explained the technical distinction regarding ball recovery after a whistle. Dillingham stated that while the player had the right to recover the ball, it did not constitute a clear advancement. He argued the ball should have been placed at the three-yard line.

Dillingham emphasized that the responsibility for the review lies with the conference office rather than the on-field crew. He noted that the officials on the field do not have final say in those decisions. The coach acknowledged that the correct outcome was not the one that transpired.

BYU currently holds a 7-1 record, with a 4-1 mark in conference play. The Cougars are ranked No. 7 in the nation. The team has experienced inconsistent officiating decisions over the past three weeks. In a 28-24 victory over Notre Dame, a pass interference call on the final play went unmade. In a 39-31 double-overtime loss to UCF, officials issued a 10-second delay for a helmet removal and a running-into-the-kicker penalty.

The Big 12's acknowledgment does not change the final score of the game. BYU retains the 27-20 victory and the associated win in its season record. The conference's statement serves as a formal correction of the replay decision made during the broadcast.