Big 12 says Notre Dame should have had one more play in loss to BYU
The conference admitted an officiating error after replay showed time remained when the ball hit the ground on the final incomplete pass.
The Big 12 has admitted an officiating error at the end of No. 2 Notre Dame's 28-24 loss to No. 8 BYU on Saturday night, saying the Irish should have had one more second on the clock to run a final play. The conference said in a statement released early Sunday that time remained when the ball hit the ground on the last incomplete pass and the replay officiating crew incorrectly cleared the play.
The error denied Notre Dame a chance to attempt a game-winning touchdown from BYU's 8-yard line as the clock expired. The Big 12 said it would conduct a complete review of its end-of-game officiating process before next week's games.
Notre Dame had first-and-goal at BYU's 8 with four seconds left, needing a touchdown to win. Quarterback CJ Carr threw into the end zone to Jaden Greathouse, but defenders kept him from securing the catch and no pass interference was called. The clock ran out on the play. A replay showed the ball fell incomplete with one second left, so officials should have added a second, according to Yahoo. Officials did not appear to consider adding time before signalling the end of the game, after which BYU fans stormed the field at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
NFL insider Ari Meirov posted the replay on X, saying Notre Dame should have had one second left for the final play. CBS Sports noted a similar clock gaffe in Week 1, when Michigan was given an additional second to complete a Hail Mary against Western Michigan.
The loss was Notre Dame's first of the season and BYU's second victory over an AP top-two opponent, 36 years after its first. BYU came in as a double-digit home underdog despite a 28-4 record since the start of the 2024 season, according to ESPN.
BYU's go-ahead touchdown came on a pass from Bear Bachmeier to Walker Lyons on third-and-goal from the Notre Dame 6 with 1:47 left. Notre Dame made five red-zone trips but scored only two touchdowns and twice came away empty, while BYU scored touchdowns on all four of its trips. BYU coach Kalani Sitake said he got really emotional thinking about the win in the locker room.
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Sources and context
- Notre Dame Left Stunned as Clear Referee Error Helps BYU Winyahoo.com
- Big 12 rules Notre Dame should have been allowed another play after officiating error in loss to BYUCBS Sports
- Kalani Sitake, 'a BYU fan first,' emotional after Cougars' upset of Notre DameESPN
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.