Arizona State's Controversial Interference Costs Texas Kicker Clutch FG In Dramatic OT Victory

College football is a game of inches, and sometimes those inches can make all the difference. In a dramatic overtime victory for the Texas Longhorns over the Arizona State Sun Devils, it was a controversial pass interference call that ultimately sealed the win for the Longhorns.

The Play in Question

With the game tied at 31-31 in overtime, Texas faced a 4th and 5 from the Arizona State 25-yard line. Quarterback Quinn Ewers dropped back to pass and threw a deep ball down the sideline for wide receiver Xavier Worthy. Arizona State cornerback Jordan Clark appeared to have good coverage on Worthy, but as the ball arrived, Clark extended his arm and made contact with Worthy, knocking him off his route.

The officials on the field threw a flag for pass interference, giving Texas a fresh set of downs and a chance to kick a game-winning field goal. Cameron Dicker calmly drilled the 40-yard field goal, giving Texas a 34-31 victory.

The Controversy

The pass interference call was a controversial one, with many arguing that it was a soft call that should not have been made. Clark did not appear to make any significant contact with Worthy, and it seemed as though Worthy simply lost his balance and fell down.

Arizona State coach Herm Edwards was visibly upset with the call after the game, saying that it was a "terrible" call that "cost us the game." He went on to say that he felt the officials were "trying to help Texas win the game."

The Officials' Perspective

The officiating crew on the field defended their call after the game, saying that they believed Clark made illegal contact with Worthy that prevented him from making a play on the ball.

"We felt that the defender extended his arm and made contact with the receiver prior to the ball arriving," said referee Mike Defee. "We believe that this contact significantly hindered the receiver's ability to make a play on the ball, and therefore we ruled it as pass interference."

Different Perspectives

The pass interference call has sparked a debate among college football fans and analysts. Some believe that the call was justified, while others believe that it was a soft call that should not have been made.

Those who believe the call was justified argue that Clark extended his arm and made illegal contact with Worthy, preventing him from making a play on the ball. They also point out that the officials on the field are in the best position to make a judgment on such plays.

Those who believe the call was soft argue that Clark did not make significant contact with Worthy, and that Worthy simply lost his balance and fell down. They also point out that the call came at a crucial moment in the game, and that it ultimately decided the outcome.

Conclusion

The pass interference call in the Texas-Arizona State game was a controversial one, and it is likely to be debated for years to come. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not they believe the call was justified.

The broader implications of this call are significant. It highlights the importance of accurate officiating in college football, and it also raises questions about the judgment of the officials on the field.

It is important to remember that the officials are human, and they are going to make mistakes from time to time. However, it is also important to hold them accountable for their mistakes, and to ensure that they are making the best possible decisions on the field.

Read also: Suits LA Teaser Trailer Reveals Stephen Amell'S New Lawyer Character In Action In Spinoff