The Big 12 conference acknowledged a replay error that incorrectly awarded No. 8 BYU a first‑quarter touchdown in its 27‑20 win over Arizona State on Saturday. On BYU’s opening drive, Bear Bachmeier attempted a second‑and‑goal run from the 1‑yard line, fumbled, and Sione Moa recovered the ball and crossed the goal line. Officials initially stopped the play, ruling Bachmeier down at the 1, but the replay system overturned the call and gave BYU the TD.
The conference later cited Rule 12‑3‑3‑d‑2, which states the ball belongs to the recovering team at the spot of recovery and any advance is nullified, and concluded the correct ruling should have been BYU ball for a third‑and‑goal from the 2‑yard line. Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham protested the decision, saying the ball could not be advanced beyond the recovery spot. The mistake marks the third consecutive week of questionable officiating for BYU, following a clock‑management issue against Notre Dame and a disputed field‑goal block at UCF.
The Big 12’s replay operations center in Irving, Texas, reviewed the play twice before issuing the overturned call.
Source: ESPN General · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing