It was one of the most stunning wins we’ve ever seen, or will see the entire college football season. It was Central Michigan’s incredible, last second victory over Oklahoma State, which included a Hail Mary lateral, which went for a touchdown. If you haven’t seen it yet, click here, or check out the video below.
But while the play was incredible, it shouldn’t have counted.
For those who saw the game (and even those who didn’t) here are the details:
Oklahoma State was up by three, and had the ball on what appeared to be the final play of the game. They elected to pass, and when Mason Rudolph was unable to find a receiver, he threw the ball away. The Pokes were called for grounding on the play. It gave the ball back to Central Michigan, who then completed a Hail Mary, lateral to win the game.
Except the thing is, according to the rule book, Central Michigan should have never gotten possession of the ball. As Fox Sports’ rules expert Mike Pereira pointed out, because the penalty was on the offense, an extra play should not have been added. The extra play is only added if the penalty is on the defense. Per Pereira, according to Rule 3-2-3. “The period is not extended if the foul is by the team and possession and the penalty includes loss of down.”
Simply put, because it was an offensive penalty, and because there was no time on the clock, Central Michigan should not have gotten that extra play.
So there is no confusion, here is the actual rule, in the rule book, highlighted below.
Obviously the call was wrong, and it will be curious to see how this is handled going forward.
More importantly, it will be interesting to see how Oklahoma State recovers, with a tough Pitt squad coming to town next week.