The Big 12 Conference has acknowledged multiple officiating errors that benefited the BYU Cougars in recent football games, including controversial calls in matchups against Notre Dame and Arizona State. These admissions follow reviews of plays that significantly impacted game progression and outcomes.
In a game against Notre Dame, a clock malfunction allowed BYU to secure a victory. The conference stated, "Following the Big 12's review of the final play of Saturday's Notre Dame-BYU game, it was determined that time remained on the clock when the ball hit the ground and the play was incorrectly cleared by the replay officiating crew." The conference indicated a review of its end-of-game officiating process would occur before subsequent games.
Another officiating error occurred in BYU's game against UCF. With the game tied and 11 seconds remaining, a UCF field goal attempt was blocked. Following the play, a facemask penalty on BYU was initially flagged but then ignored. Subsequently, officials incorrectly applied a 10-second clock runoff rule due to the kicker's helmet coming off, which rules analysts explained should not have been applied because the clock had already stopped for a legal kick. This incorrect application prevented UCF from having another attempt at a game-winning field goal, sending the game into overtime, where BYU ultimately lost.
Most recently, the Big 12 admitted an error in the game against Arizona State. In the first quarter, BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier fumbled the ball near the goal line, and a teammate recovered it for a touchdown. However, replay review incorrectly awarded the touchdown despite the whistle having blown indicating Bachmeier was down before the fumble. The conference stated, "Replay was incorrect in awarding a score. The correct ruling should have been BYU ball for a third-and-goal from the 2-yard line."
Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham expressed frustration with the officiating, noting that such decisions are made remotely rather than by the on-field crew. These repeated officiating mistakes have raised questions about the Big 12's officiating standards, particularly as BYU contends for a potential College Football Playoff spot with upcoming crucial games.