Controversial penalty against Oklahoma State reversed by officials

Officials in the annual Bedlam rivalry game between Oklahoma and Oklahoma State made a controversial decision when they reversed a major penalty late in the game. Oklahoma State appeared to commit an unnecessary roughness penalty by throwing the Oklahoma ball carrier to the ground after the play was whistled over well before.

Penalty against Oklahoma State reversed

A penalty flag was thrown initially, but after discussing the penalty the officials ruled there was no penalty on the play. The penalty came on a failed third-down run by Oklahoma and it would have resulted in their drive staying alive.

The broadcast crew for ABC spent the duration of the official’s conversation talking about how the penalty was obvious, expecting it to be upheld. When the officials announced their decision the broadcast team, and Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley on the sidelines, were confused and voiced their disagreement with the decision.

“[ABC rules analyst] Bill Lemmonier was right,” agreed former NFL referee Terry McAuley on Twitter. “That was an obvious foul for unnecessary roughness called immediately in real time. No discussion necessary and should not have been picked up.”

Adding to Oklahoma’s frustration, shortly after they were forced to punt they forced Oklahoma State into a quick drive ending in a punt of their own. Unfortunately, the Sooners fumbled the punt recovery, giving the Cowboys possession back on the five-yard line.

Oklahoma State scored a touchdown after the amazing field position, taking the lead away in the eventual final score of 37-33.

Lincoln Riley trolled over LSU rumors

The Oklahoma State Cowboys trolled Oklahoma earlier in the rivalry game by playing “Callin’ Baton Rouge” by Garth Brooks during a Sooners timeout. The troll appeared to be a direct reference to the rumors of Lincoln Riley being hired as the head coach of the LSU Tigers.

Riley has also gained some interesting new Twitter followers, which has led to further speculation he will take the LSU job. LSU basketball coach Will Wade, LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson, and several LSU football commitments have followed the current Sooners head coach on Twitter.

The song, “Callin’ Baton Rouge” is actually a classic song by Garth Brooks. He recorded the song on his 1993 album entitled, “In Pieces”. The song is the pre-game song for the LSU football team and the run out song for the LSU baseball team.

It will certainly be interesting to see if Lincoln Riley ends up in Baton Rouge as multiple signs have been pointing that direction over the past week. The troll job by the Oklahoma State stadium PA crew is definitely one of the best of college football for the 2021 season.