Big Ten admits officiating error in Nebraska football win vs Maryland
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The Big Ten Conference admitted to an officiating error on an extra-point attempt in Nebraska's Week 5 victory against Maryland.
With 6:35 remaining in the fourth quarter, the Cornhuskers extended their lead to 25 points — 48-23 — on a 30-yard touchdown pass from Anthony Colandrea to receiver Kwazi Gilmer. Kyle Cunanan missed the ensuing point-after attempt, but the Terrapins were whistled for roughing the kicker.
Officials allowed the miss to stand despite the penalty, enforcing the penalty yardage on the kickoff. If the penalty had been properly enforced, officials would have moved Nebraska half the distance to the goal line and allowed a re-try of the kick.
"The Big Ten has been in contact with its officiating team from Saturday's game regarding the error and will continue to emphasize consistent application of the playing rules," the conference said in a statement released on Monday, Oct. 5.
After the game, Nebraska coach Matt Rhule said he accepted the penalty yards on the kickoff because he didn't realize the extra point was missed.
"It's poor by me," Rhule said. "I should have seen it didn't go through the uprights and they weren't holding their hands up."
The mistake ultimately had little, if any, bearing on the game, with 48-23 standing as the game's final score. Neither team scored during the remainder of the game, with both teams trading punts before Maryland's final drive ended with an 11-yard run to the Nebraska 26-yard line.
Nebraska and Maryland combined for 28 penalties for 247 yards in the game.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Big Ten admits officiating error in Nebraska football win vs Maryland
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