Around CFB: ACC, officiating under more fire for controversial call

Quality concern repeatedly has been a topic of conversation for the Atlanta Coast Conference and for college football officiating.

The ACC has been frequently criticized — even by its own members.

Florida State has overtly stated its desire to leave the ACC to a more football-based league. Clemson probably wants to exit, too, but is more well-mannered about it.

Attempting to stay relevant, the Atlantic Coast Conference added Pacific Coast castoffs — Stanford and Cal — along with SMU to form a 17-team smorgasbord of mediocrity.

Meanwhile, the quality of college officiating seems to have dropped to depressing levels.

Two weeks ago, Josh Pate, the host of a popular college football podcast, bemoaned the state of the game’s officiating.

He referenced several blown calls from what he called one of the worst officiating days he’d ever seen.

Then, last Friday night, the image problems of the ACC and collegiate officials intersected in Miami.

On the final play of Miami’s 38-34 victory, Virginia Tech quarterback Kyron Drones lofted a high-arching 30-yard pass into the back of the Hard Rock Stadium end zone.

Receiver Da’Quan Felton came down with the football. Referees raised arms to signal touchdown. The Hokies celebrated wildly.

Until…

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Mario Cristobal, the head coach of Miami, has led the Hurricanes to a 17-13 record since 2022. He signed a 10-year, $80 million contract with the program in December 2021.

Upon further review — actually about six minutes of further review — the touchdown was overturned. Thus, Miami players celebrated wildly.

Almost immediately, debates erupted on social media.

Some argued Miami defensive back Tyler Rowe had jostled the football from Felton’s grasp.

Others argued that was after Felton had already completed the catch.

The ACC, of course, supported the ruling.

“During the review process of the last play, it was determined that the loose ball was touched by a Miami player while he was out of bounds, which makes it an incomplete pass and immediately ends the play," the ACC said in a statement.

That’s fine. But hasn’t it been stated thousands of times the function of replay is to find indisputable evidence to reverse “clear and obvious” missed calls?

The fact that the instant replay official at the game and the ACC game-day operations center in Charlotte, N.C., needed almost six minutes to make a ruling suggests there was no indisputable evidence of a clear and obvious missed call.

“I seen a catch,” Drones said after the game. “I don’t know how that happens. Probably because we played (in Miami).”

That could be. But it could be argued — and quite frankly, was argued — that the call also benefited the ACC.

As a Power 4 conference, the ACC champion gets automatic entry into the 12-team College Football Playoff. But every conference wants as many of its teams in the field as possible.

No. 8 Miami is the highest ranked of three ACC teams currently in the Associated Press Top 25.

The others — No. 15 Clemson and No. 22 Louisville — already have one loss.

More losses are to come for some of those teams. Miami must travel to Louisville next week. Other upcoming games vs. Duke, Georgia Tech and Syracuse could be treacherous.

There could also be an ACC Championship Game clash. Perhaps vs. Clemson, which also has several tough games remaining, including Louisville and state-rival South Carolina.

Two losses could equate to playoff elimination. Three almost certainly will.

Therefore, it was a fortunate coincidence that the ACC’s highest-ranked team was able to avoid a loss on an overturned official’s call.

It was a coincidence, wasn’t it?

Heisman watch (If my ballot was due today)

1. Cam Ward, Miami, QB: Don’t blame him for the injustice put on Virginia Tech in Miami’s 38-34 victory. The Hokies needed that Hail Mary pass because Ward threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes to give Miami the lead. Ward passed for 343 yards and four touchdowns in that game. He now leads the nation with 1,928 yards of total offense. Ward has passed for 1,782 yards and 18 touchdowns. He has rushed for 146 yards and two scores.

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According to ESPN, Ashton Jeanty is the only FBS player so far this season to have recorded multiples games (2) with four rushing touchdowns.

2. Ashton Jeanty, Boise State, RB: The nation’s leader in rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. Jeanty added to his impressive last week by rushing for 259 yards and four touchdowns in a 45-24 victory over Washington State. Two of his touchdowns were on runs of 64 and 59 yards. In four games, Jeanty has rushed for 845 yards while averaging 10.3 yards per carry. He has scored 13 touchdowns.

3. Jalen Milroe, Alabama, QB: A relatively slow start put Milroe behind in the Heisman race. He made up a lot of ground with his performance in a 41-34 upset of Georgia last week. Milroe completed 27-of-33 passes for 374 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 117 yards and two touchdowns. One of the rushing touchdowns was from 36 yards out. He’s 19th in the nation in total offense and climbing.

4. Dillon Gabriel, Oregon, QB: Gabriel led the undefeated Ducks to a 34-13 victory over UCLA. He passed for 278 yards and three touchdowns. He’s completing a national-best 81.5 percent of his passes. He has thrown for 1,192 yards and nine touchdowns.

5. Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss, QB: A pedestrian showing in a 20-17 loss to Kentucky results in Dart falling from No. 2 on the list. He passed for 261 yards and a touchdown. Not a bad day, but hardly Heisman worthy. Another pedestrian showing could end his candidacy.

Games to Watch

No. 9 Missouri at No. 25 Texas A&M: The only game of the weekend matching ranked teams. A victory dramatically improves playoff possibilities for both.

No. 10 Michigan at Washington: Just in case you need a reminder of how last year’s national championship game participants have declined.

Texas Tech at Arizona: Loser is likely eliminated from the Big 12 championship race. The winner probably will be but gets to feel like a contender for at least another week.

No. 12 Ole Miss at South Carolina: Ole Miss still has playoff aspirations but must bounce back from last week’s stunning loss to Kentucky. By the way, South Carolina blew out Kentucky three weeks ago.

Syracuse at No. 25 UNLV: Even with a backup quarterback, unbeaten UNLV is growing into a strong playoff contender. Syracuse will be the Rebels’ third Power 4 opponent.