Fans, social media react to officiating during CFP national championship game
Michigan won the College Football Playoff national championship game, but part of the focus was on the officiating throughout the contest.
An ACC crew was in charge of the game on Monday night in Houston. Much of the chatter on social media related to several holding calls that the officials appeared to miss: a Michigan player looked to have a Washington player by the front of the shirt during a Alex Orji run.
Later, Washington — trailing 20-13 with just over 3-and-a-half minutes played in the 4th quarter — looked to have broken off a long pass play as Michael Penix Jr. found Rome Odunze for a 32-yard completion. But it was called back on a holding penalty as the Huskies were later forced to punt. The Wolverines then took a 27-13 lead on their next possession.
Officiating will always be a hot topic during every game, but in a game like this one, the conversation becomes even more critical. Here’s some of the social media reaction:
https://twitter.com/cowbell_fever_/status/1744564261039268129
Kinda looks like a hold. https://t.co/wu8Hsflnhs
— Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) January 9, 2024
just inexcusably bad, especially after the hold that completely changed the last drive for UW. https://t.co/fKpdCCJevI
— Mike Golic Jr (@mikegolicjr) January 9, 2024
Not even a bit, this has been pretty rough in favor of one team https://t.co/s05d7NPsRU
— Steven Godfrey (@38Godfrey) January 9, 2024
I watch a lot of games officiated by ACC refs and they are not capable of conspiracy or showing favor. They are just sorta winging it and barely know the rules of the sport.
— Kevin Clark (@bykevinclark) January 9, 2024
Many of these officials are also going to go pro in something other than sports.
— Adam Kramer (@KegsnEggs) January 9, 2024
Really tough holding call after some of the ones they missed for Michigan. #NationalChampionship
— Tim Tebow (@TimTebow) January 9, 2024
None called pic.twitter.com/zHXbKAdxQq
— Bridger Deschamps (@bridgerwon) January 9, 2024