WATCH: Michigan gets controversial interception after Big Ten officials fail to review call
Maryland had its foot on the gas against Michigan, taking a 13-10 lead as the offense found its stride. But Taulia Tagovailoa threw an interception to stall a drive — or so it appeared.
Replays showed DJ Turner might not have secured the catch, but officials decided not to review it and let Michigan start on its next drive. The Terrapins then caught a break of their own when the Wolverines missed the field goal, maintaining the 13-10 Maryland advantage.
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FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt thought it was incomplete, and rules analyst Mike Pereira agreed. He also disagreed with the call on the field and the decision not to review it.
“I think the same thing that Joel says,” Pereira said. “Does he use the ground to complete the catch? When both of those hands come off the ball and it slides up into his forearm, to me, I’m very, very surprised that this wasn’t looked at. I think I would’ve reversed it to incomplete.”
Early turnover leads Michigan to one-play score 3 seconds into the game
Just when it looked like Maryland and Taulia Tagovailoa would get the ball, things took a turn. The Terrapins fumbled the opening kickoff and Michigan recovered inside the 10-yard line.
JJ McCarthy wasted no time.
McCarthy found Luke Schoonmaker on the first play of the game to give the Wolverines an early 7-0 lead over Maryland at The Big House on Saturday. It was quite a start for Jim Harbaugh’s group, which is looking to improve to 4-0 to start the season.
It all started with the muffed kickoff by Maryland returner Tai Felton, which led to another impressive play by Michigan special teams.
This is both teams’ Big Ten opener as conference play gets going around college football. Michigan is coming off a resounding victory over UConn last week while Maryland knocked off SMU to improve to 3-0.