Two Big 12 heavyweights are facing off in Week 4 in what could be a Big 12 title-deciding game, with a replay possibility. The Utah Utes, led by their 21st-season head coach, in what could be Kyle Whittingham’s last season for the team, have already decimated teams like UCLA. On the other side is Texas Tech, having a billion-dollar backing and Joey McGuire revamping the team from top to bottom. It won’t be better than this in the Big 12, and the stakes are at an all-time high, with both teams the top 2 favorites for the Big 12 title. But Utah, in just the first quarter, suffered a grave injustice by the officials.

Going into the game, Utah had the possession but gave it up early with the running game failing to keep the ball. Texas Tech, though, when they got the ball, they meant business. With 3rd and 5  and 12:15 on the clock, quarterback Behren Morton threw a 73-yard screamer to J’Koby Williams to Utah’s 12th for a first down. After that, those 6 points came easily, as Texas Tech capped off 85 yards in that drive, putting 7 points on the scoreboard. However, when Utah again got the ball, a controversial ref call ended their drive prematurely.

Texas Tech’s defense, arguably the best in the Big 12, held off Utah for a fourth down on their 46th after a 6-yard run by Devon Dampier. Instead of kicking it away, head coach Kyle Whittingham decided to go for it. On 4th-and-1, it was achievable, and that’s exactly what should have happened. Instead, after stick measurement, a turnover was ordered. Play-by-play announcer Gus Johnson and analyst Joel Klatt, present in the press box, didn’t agree one bit with the decision. “I’m really surprised. They didn’t take a further look at that,” said Klatt, and went on to describe the travesty to Utah.

“The Big 12 is usually really replay-heavy anyway, and not to look at that. I think as a mistake. Now, Utah’s got a sudden change back on the field here at the 50,” said Klatt. As for Gus Johnson, he also didn’t agree with the decision to award a turnover to Texas Tech.”I can’t believe they’re letting them play. That is a poor spot right there,” said the announcer. The play was crucial for Utah, and the replay clearly showed NaQuari Rogers reaching the line with the ball tucked safely in his hands.

“They’re showing the replay right now on the screen, and you can see Rogers at the end when he’s reaching the ball forward. I think that they’ve got a bit of a case here to be had,” said Klatt. Although after the controversial call, the Red Raiders couldn’t put any points on the board in the first quarter. The officiating overall still has been questionable. Moreover, this isn’t the first time the Big 12 referees have been criticized. Recently, the Big 12 had pulled its officiating crew from the Week 3 assignment for rules violations.

The Big 12 has earlier come under heavy scrutiny for wrong decisions by its officials

The questionable play came in the Missouri vs Kansas game, in which the Tigers cruised past 42-31 comfortably. The wrong play in the game then came in the first quarter after Missouri scored its first touchdown. The Tigers were then flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct, and Kansas blocked the extra point attempt after the touchdown. The kickoff that occurred after that play was deemed illegal, with the officials allowing a punt instead of giving a free kick violation. The said crew was then removed from its next assignment.

“We believe we have one of the best officiating programs in college football. When the conference’s high standard for officiating is not met, the Big 12 will take action,” said Big 12 Chief of Football and Competition Officer Scott Draper in a press release. The call happening in one of the most important games of the Big 12 might also have affected the Big 12’s decision since the Bordon Showdon is embedded in history, dating back to 1891. The verdict?

The Utah and Texas Tech game is still going on, with Texas Tech leading 10-3, in what has become a sheer defensive showing for both teams. As for the officiating, it remains to be seen if the Big 12 reviews the play and reprimands the officiating crew. It’s also possible we may see some strict action since the review clearly showed a Utah player reaching the down line, with the ball safely in his hands. Stay tuned for more updates on the issue.