Pac-12 refs blow call in opening minutes of Oregon State game, cost Bucky Irving huge gain
Pac-12 refs put their fingerprints on Friday night’s Oregon-Oregon State battle before some fans had even settled into their seats.
On Oregon’s first possession, Bucky Irving caught a quick out from Bo Nix and was spun down by Oregon State’s Easton Mascarenas-Arnold. Irving rolled over his tackler, used his off-ball hand to keep himself off the deck, and sprinted out of the tackle.
Except officials blew the play dead almost immediately.
Replay clearly showed Irving kept himself off the ground. But because it was immediately blown dead, officials weren’t able to review anything.
— no context college football (@nocontextcfb) November 25, 2023
Irving had a ton of green grass in front of him after spinning out of the would-be tackle. Had the officials allowed the play to go, he might have been able to go the distance.
Instead, the Ducks just methodically moved down the field. The opening possession of the game went 88 yards in 15 plays for a touchdown. The Ducks took eight minutes and 41 seconds off the clock before Oregon State even touched the ball.
And, fittingly, Irving capped the drive with the score.
BUCKY IRVING TD! 😤@oregonfootball strikes first 👏 pic.twitter.com/2fKCn5uflk
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 25, 2023
Still, fans were hot about the early gaffe from Pac-12 refs, who have been notorious for years for blowing obvious calls and taking over games in ridiculous ways. Here’s just a sampling of the reaction on social media.
He’s absolutely not down. What a horrible way to start this game by the officials.
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) November 25, 2023
So Bucky was called down when he wasn't, and then a 3rd down catch that Troy Franklin clearly dropped was not even reviewed after a timeout.
All-time bad reffing tonight, which shouldn't be a surprise.
— Zachary Neel (@zacharycneel) November 25, 2023
Even the Pac-12 refs are nostalgic here early.
— Tyson Alger (@tysonalger) November 25, 2023
Well it didn't take long for Pac-12 refs to screw this up
— James Crepea (@JamesCrepea) November 25, 2023
Pac-12 refs – gonna miss you and your wild choices.
— 🇱🇰 Sickos Committee 🇱🇰 (@SickosCommittee) November 25, 2023
Pac 12 refs at it again, smh
— Oregon Recruiting (@duckscrootin) November 25, 2023
https://twitter.com/mckennamariee_/status/1728228429596950593
Pac-12 refs are #$*(ing terrible
— DuckSportsAuthority (@DSArivals) November 25, 2023
Pac-12 refs baby can’t wait until they’re out of a job
— Barry bonds (@kai_post) November 25, 2023
Pac-12 refs going out with a BANG
— Hayden Herrera (@haydenherrera) November 25, 2023
Pac-12 refs already trying to do the damn thing. Cool. Can’t wait to leave this stupid conference
— Jason Gold (@JasonGold24) November 25, 2023
LOL one more time on the way out by the PAC-12 refs
— Danny Marang (@DannyMarang) November 25, 2023