Big 12 Admits Clock Error in Notre Dame's Loss to BYU

The Big 12 Conference has acknowledged a significant clock error during the final moments of the highly contested game between No. 8 BYU and No. 2 Notre Dame, which concluded with BYU securing a 28-24 victory. The conference admitted that time remained on the clock when Notre Dame's final pass fell incomplete in the end zone, a play that was incorrectly ruled as the game's end by the replay officiating crew.

Following the game, the Big 12 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 has launched a comprehensive review of its end-of-game officiating procedures ahead of upcoming games.

The decision has ignited frustration among Notre Dame fans, with many expressing their disappointment on social media platforms. Some fans lamented the potential impact on the team's College Football Playoff aspirations and criticized the officiating as amateurish.

Adding to the controversy, ABC rules analyst Matt Austin suggested that pass interference should have been called on BYU's Evan Johnson, who appeared to make contact with Notre Dame receiver Jaden Greathouse before the pass arrived. The apparent missed penalty further fueled the discontent among Fighting Irish supporters.

The game itself was a dramatic affair, with both teams exchanging blows throughout. BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier threw a go-ahead touchdown pass with under two minutes remaining, and the Cougars' defense subsequently stopped Notre Dame at the goal line to seal the upset. This marked BYU's first win over a top-10 opponent since 2018 and their first victory against Notre Dame since 2004.

The loss for Notre Dame ended their 16-game winning streak. The game was part of a Saturday marked by significant upsets across college football, with five of the top eight teams in the AP Top 25 losing on the same day for the first time in recorded history. The top two teams, Georgia and Notre Dame, both lost on the same regular-season Saturday for the first time since November 17, 2012.

Despite the controversial finish, the game was characterized by strong performances from both sides. Bachmeier contributed significantly with multiple touchdowns and passing yards, while Notre Dame's CJ Carr also put up strong numbers. Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman acknowledged his team's inability to close out the game, stating, "We had them on the ropes, and we couldn't find a way to finish."