Cougar Controversy: Examining the Ending to the ND/BYU Game and How Irish Fans Need to Respond
On Saturday, October 19th, Notre Dame and BYU competed in a primetime battle in Provo, Utah. When the dust finally settled, the Irish faithful had more questions than answers.
Photo via Rob Gray-Imagn Images
The lead-up to the game sparked witty and fiery trash talk over social media, with both sides showing their passion for the two programs. The game did not disappoint and even concluded in chaos, thus adding yet another thrilling chapter to the Mormon vs. Catholic rivalry. The Fighting Irish lost to the Cougars 24-28 after QB C.J. Carr threw an incomplete pass in the red zone. However, the game itself was full of controversy.
The first half concluded when Carr's attempt to stop the clock with a spike resulted in a fumble. Irish fans knew this type of mistake is atypical of the usually collected and coherent QB and didn't seem fathomable to ever occur in such a major matchup. It turns out the presumption of the Irish faithful was accurate, with BYU DL Justin Kirkland admitting to having yelled "hut" on the play in a now-deleted podcast clip (which was recovered and reported by The Irish Tribune). This is a gross violation of the rulebook and, if called, would have resulted in a penalty. Although Coach Marcus Freeman and Irish Center Ashton Craig argued and pleaded with the referees, it was to no avail, as the Irish hit the locker room to end the half.
Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman confronts the referee after C.J Carr spiked the ball, via Rob Gray-Imagn Images
However, as infuriating as the final play of the first half was, the real argument was over the final play. With just four seconds on the clock and eight yards to go, Carr rolled out of the pocket to the right and threw a spiral intended for WR Jaden Greathouse. Greathouse was unusually unprepared to make a play on the ball, which was later explained by obvious interference on Greathouse as he reached for the ball. Even Matt Austin (ABC rules analyst) noted that defensive pass interference "likely occurred".
However, the absolute most infuriating and blatant mistake by the officiating staff also occurred on the last play. As the ball hit the ground, the game clock behind the end zone clearly displayed a 0:01 timestamp. This was reviewed by officials and the replay staff (while Cougar fans stormed the field), and it was decided that the original call for the game being over was correct.
Photo via ABC
Furthermore, the BIG 12 (which gained BYU in 2023/2024), released a statement regarding the clock controversy.
"Following the Big 12's review of the final play of Saturday's Notre Dame-BYU game, it was determined that time remained on the clock when the ball hit the ground and the play was incorrectly cleared by the replay officiating crew. The Conference will conduct a complete review of its end-of-game officiating process in advance of next week's games."- Big 12 Conference
This marks the second instance this season in which officials made a clearly incorrect ruling on the game clock (the first being the Western Michigan/Michigan contest). This is perhaps the most damning indictment of the referee's performance, and is perhaps the most consequential, as the extra second would have allowed Notre Dame another chance to score in the red zone.
However, the game is over. Nothing can be done to change the outcome or the loss that now plagues Notre Dame's playoff resume. Irish fans can complain and shake their fist at the horrendous officiating, but even that won't change the result. Nobody respects a fanbase that constantly complains about calls and refereeing.
At the end of the day, Notre Dame Football didn't play up to the standard of their program. They left doubt. Going forward, into next week, into Navy, and then at home against Miami and SMU, one thing is evident; The Fighting Irish have to "Leave No Doubt" to the question of whether they should be in the playoffs or not.
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