Controversy Surrounds Late Calls in Minnesota’s 23-20 Overtime Win Over Michigan State
Former Gophers and current Michigan State defensive coordinator Joe Rossi looked livid over a pass interference call that weighed heavily in Minnesota’s 23-20 overtime win on Saturday. The call, given to defensive back Malcolm Bell for contact on U receiver Le’Meke Brockington, was a crucial moment in the game. According to NCAA rules, pass interference is a spot foul, resulting in a first down and automatic first down at the spot of the foul.
Postgame, however, Spartans head coach Jonathan Smith didn’t take much issue with the flag. “Not every call is going to go your way,” Smith said. “Dang, this is an emotional game. Those are the calls.” Smith’s comments reflect the NCAA’s emphasis on sportsmanship and respect for officiating decisions.
Pass Interference Calls Under Scrutiny
That wasn’t the only pass interference call that weighed heavily on the outcome. In the first overtime, the officiating crew picked up a flag for pass interference on Gophers safety Kerry Brown. Instead of a first and goal for the Spartans, it was fourth and 3 from the 18, and Michigan State kicked a 36-yard field goal. The NCAA football rules state that a pass interference call can be picked up if there is “no significant contact” or if the contact is “incidental.”
Smith explained that the officiating crew’s decision to pick up the flag was due to a “stronger opinion” from one of the referees. “The explanation was — there is not just one referee out there, they got eight of them — the communication of the group of eight that put eyes on the call, one came in with a stronger opinion to pick it up,” Smith said.
Tribute to Fletcher Merkel
The Gophers welcomed back the friends of Fletcher Merkel — the 8-year-old boy who was murdered in the Annunciation Church shooting in August. The group of kids and parent chaperones shared a great moment with Merkel during the Gophers’ upset of Southern California last October. On their return trip to the U this weekend, the group attended the U’s practice Friday and Saturday’s game. They received game balls from head coach P.J. Fleck after the win.
In the wake of the tragedy that killed two and injured 30, Fleck said it was an small opportunity for some to start healing and creating new memories. “They could smile,” Fleck said. “And I thought they did.” The University of Minnesota Athletics department has a long history of supporting the local community and promoting health and safety initiatives.
Injuries Mount for Gophers
Gophers top running back Darius Taylor missed the Michigan State game due to an undisclosed injury. The junior from Detroit picked up the injury before the Iowa loss last weekend and played only three snaps against the Hawkeyes. Taylor’s absence has been felt, as he has now missed three games and parts of three others.
In warmups Saturday, starting cornerback Za’Quan Bryan injured his shoulder and couldn’t play. Minnesota was already without defense backs Garrison Monroe and Mike Gerald, who have been dealing with ailments for weeks. The Gophers’ injury report has been a concern all season, with several key players missing games due to various injuries.
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