The Big Ten Conference has issued a statement admitting to an officiating error in Nebraska's 48-23 victory over Maryland in Week 5. With 6:35 remaining in the fourth quarter, kicker Kyle Cunanan missed an extra point but Maryland was whistled for roughing the kicker.
Instead of allowing the Huskers to re-kick, the missed PAT counted, and the penalty was incorrectly enforced on the following kickoff. Nebraska should have been allowed to respot the ball half the distance to the goal and try the PAT again.
The Associated Press has confirmed that no disciplinary action will be taken against the officials for the error or coach Matt Rhule for his post-game criticism of the officiating crew.
The conference's statement acknowledged the error and emphasized
that it will continue to communicate with officials about the proper application of the rules.
"The Big Ten has been in contact with its officiating team from Saturday's game regarding the error and will continue to emphasize consistent application of the playing rules."
Last Saturday's game was one of the most penalized in recent FBS history. Nebraska and Maryland combined for 28 penalties for 247 yards.
The Huskers remain in Lincoln for this Saturday's game against the Indiana Hoosiers. Kickoff is set for 11 a.m. CT on Fox.
A statement from the Big Ten on the Maryland-Nebraska Football game. pic.twitter.com/8mcAIej716
— Big Ten Conference (@bigten) October 5, 2026
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This article originally appeared on Cornhuskers Wire: Big Ten admits refs made mistake in Nebraska's win against Maryland
