A closer look at the controversial Indiana-Purdue possession call

On Indiana's final drive, down 8, IU's Nick Stoner appears to have the ball, or simultaneous possession at the very least (photo via TheHoosierStamp on twitter.)

After an efficient first quarter, the Hoosiers struggled offensively until the final quarter.

With eleven minutes to go, Indiana scored and converted on a two-point conversion to cut the Purdue lead to eight. One score.

On Indiana’s next series, the first officiating mistake came on the punt where a Purdue player was laying in the end zone and tried to down the ball at the one yard-line. This should have resulted in a touchback but instead the Hoosiers began the drive on their own one.

Following a couple big runs of seven and 17 yards, quarterback Tre Roberson’s forced a long throw to Nick Stoner at the Purdue 22 yard-line.

As you see to the right, it was caught by Stoner but Purdue’s Josh Johnson also fought for the ball. Stoner fell to the ground with primary possession and should be called down by contact. Johnson ripped the ball away after the play was over and the officials ruled that Johnson had possession thus intercepting Roberson.

With 4:11 remaining in the game, that just about sealed the game. There was no guarantee that IU would score and also convert again on the two-point conversation but after the poor call, Indiana had no chance.

Kevin Wilson tried to challenge the play but was told that possession could not be reviewed because how it was called on the field. Listening to his postgame appearance on the IU radio, I was surprised how accepting Wilson was of the call and that he didn’t fight it. In fact he praised the crew, calling them one of the best in the country.

Ironically, it was the same crew that made the same possession call on a critical fourth quarter drive at Michigan in 2009. It’s one thing to call it wrong on the field. It’s another thing that the play couldn’t be challenged.

What’s the point of a replay system if you can’t confirm crucial calls like this one? IU was looking for their only big win on the season, against their rival. Purdue needed the win to become bowl-eligible.

It was a big deal to get it right and they botched. The same crew and the same type of call. All wrong.

2 Responses to A closer look at the controversial Indiana-Purdue possession call
  1. bozvotros
    November 27, 2011 | 12:59 am

    One of the worst calls I have ever seen. There was no simultaneous possession. Stoner had the ball. Took it to the ground where it was wrested away, well after he was down by contact. At any rate, NCAA rules give simultaneous possession to the offense. What is the point of having the capacity to review calls if you aren’t going to use them when the outcome of the game hangs in the balance. What possible reason can there have been to not review this play?

  2. BobbyMac
    November 27, 2011 | 5:23 pm

    Anyone can miss a call, however for it to be not reviewable is really silly. I hope the rule is changed.

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