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Penn State

Kole Knueppel, the referee for Penn State-Ohio State, is on the call for the Big Ten title game

Greg Pickelby: Greg Pickel12/07/24GregPickel
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Penn State coach James Franklin points something out to referee Kole Knueppel during the Nittany Lions' matchup with Ohio State. (Frank Hyatt/BWI)

The Big Ten title game is tonight in Indianapolis. And, an official familiar to Penn State and its fans will lead an All-Star crew of conference zebras at Lucas Oil Stadium. Kole Knueppel is the head referee for the No. 3 Nittany Lions’ matchup with No. 1 Oregon. He was also on the call for the PSU-OSU game back in November, a contest during which James Franklin had numerous issues with him and his crew, especially in the first half.

“Well, we got to stop hurting ourselves. Besides that, I have to watch what I say,” Franklin told the Penn State Sports Network at halftime. The Lions were called for a handful of penalties during the first quarter, none of which were more impactful than a personal foul for unsportsmanlike conduct on cornerback Elliot Washington II for stepping over a Buckeyes receiver after a tackle. That turned a third down stop into an Ohio State first down at midfield. OSU scored five plays later to make it 10-7.

“I did not turn that into the Big Ten officials this week because I know what the response would be,” Franklin said when asked about the call the Monday after the OSU game. “Technically, by the rules, there is justification for making that call. I watch college football not only on TV. But, I watch tons of hours of cutups. That call could be made five or six times a game in every game in college football.

More: Penn State-Oregon predictions: How computer data systems, college football experts, see the game

“For me to turn it in and say well, technically that is, I didn’t turn it in. But I think the way you address it is in a team meeting setting. It needs to be addressed so not only does that player learn, but the whole team learns. Not only in a team meeting, but also on either side of the ball, offense or defense, it needs to be addressed. Needs to be addressed with the individual, which it has. And with the group, which it has.”

That was not the only sequence that Penn State fans could have griped about. Davison Igbinosun‘s incredible end zone interception right before halftime could have been ruled incomplete. Then, in the second half, what was ultimately an incomplete pass to running back Quinshon Judkins could have been a catch and fumble. But, it was not viewed that way upon video review. PSU lost the penalty battle in that game 5 to 2. However, that’s not why it was lost. That was mostly due to its series of failures inside of the Buckeyes’ five yard line.

Oregon has yet to have Knueppel officiate one of its games this year. According to Football Zebras, no member of Knueppel’s regular season officiating crew is part of his Big Ten title game crew. Mike Conlin will serve as the replay official.

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