WATCH: Big 12 referee controversy starts early in Oklahoma vs Iowa State

On3 imageby:James Fletcher III11/20/21

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On the opening drive of Saturday’s Big 12 showdown between Oklahoma and Iowa State, referee controversy prevailed. After a fumble on the goal line ended up bouncing through the endzone, discussion quickly began over touchdown or touchback rulings, as well as catch versus incompletion discussions. However, when the smoke cleared and the officials spotted the ball, none of that came into play.

On third-and-18 from the Oklahoma 26-yard line, Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy dropped back and delivered a ball to wide receiver Joe Scales. As he crossed the goal line, Oklahoma cornerback DJ Graham stripped the ball, which tumbled out of bounds inside the endzone.

After a lengthy discussion from the FOX Sports broadcast crew about touchdown and touchback rulings, the college football world awaited the referee’s tough decision.

In the end, the referee decided to place the ball at the Oklahoma half-yard line and give Iowa State first-and-goal. He then offered up the following explanation.

“There are multiple aspects of the play to review,” said the Oklahoma vs Iowa State referee. “It is a catch, then the receiver fumbled the ball by it being ripped out of his control. The loose ball touched the Oklahoma player – who was out of bounds – and the ball – at that point – was at the half-yard line. By rule the ball is returned to the spot of the fumble. It’s first-and-goal for Iowa State.”

Iowa State running back Breece Hall scored on a one-yard carry to give Iowa State an early 7-0 lead.

ESPN analysts comment on Oklahoma in CFP

Even when Oklahoma was undefeated, the College Football Playoff committee proved to not be huge fans. Ranking them No. 8 in thee initial release, the Sooners dropped to No. 13 after losing to Baylor.

ESPN’s Rece Davis pointed out history would be made if Lincoln Riley’s squad does eventually make the College Football Playoff. The loss does not help but the potential to be a one-loss conference champion is still there.

“Oklahoma falls five spots to 13 and I hesitate to bring up history because the committee changes from year to year,” said Davis. “But the lowest ranking by a team to eventually makes the College Football Playoff at this point in the season is ninth. So, Oklahoma already didn’t really impress the committee, they slipped five spots.”

Joey Galloway agreed, even going as far as saying Oklahoma is not a good team. He put them on notice heading into the Iowa State matchup as well.

“I think when they started at No.8 in the initial rankings the committee was saying that they weren’t impressed by the way Oklahoma has played,” Galloway said. “They were undefeated, hadn’t played anybody. So, they lose a game and they fall down five. I tell you what, if Oklahoma can’t find a way to run the football, they’re not a very good football team. They got an Iowa State team this weekend that can absolutely beat that team.”