Multiple media outlets and fans pointed out on social media that the referees missed one second on the clock after CJ Carr’s game-winning pass attempt to Jaden Greathouse was incomplete in Saturday evening’s contest between No. 2 Notre Dame and No. 8 BYU.
The game was ultimately all said and done as the Cougars pulled off the 28-24 upset over the Fighting Irish.
Despite the mishap from refs, the Big 12 confirmed in a statement early Sunday morning that one second should have been on the clock, which would have given Notre Dame another chance:
“Following the Big 12’s review of the final play of Saturday's Notre Dame-BYU game, it was determined that time remained on the clock when the ball hit the ground and the play was incorrectly cleared by the replay
officiating crew. The conference will conduct a complete review of its end-of-game officiating process in advance of next week's games.”
Aside from missing a potential pass inference call in favor of Greathouse, Fox rules analyst Mike Pereira told The Athletic on Saturday night that Big 12 officials “have to review” the clock error.
“That had to be reviewed immediately,” Pereira said. “It is embarrassing for all officiating, quite frankly. Everybody gets brought into this, even the NFL and high school officiating because it is such a ridiculous miss that has nothing to do with judgment. Nothing. I understand missing pass interference. This, especially after what happened six weeks ago, it’s embarrassing. They get one more play.”
Ex-NFL ref Terry McAulay, who is now a rules analyst for NBC, took to social media to note the error as well.
“As some have noted, there was indeed :01 on the bug clock when the pass hit the ground (BYU/ND),” McAulay said. “Replay should have been reviewed to determine if the in-stadium clock was at :01 at that point and if so, ND would have had one more play.”
ABC rules analyst Matt Austin said during the game broadcast that officials should have called defensive pass inference on BYU cornerback Evan Johnson. Austin and the announcers, however, did not discuss the clock issue.
“I think it warranted a flag,” Austin said. “That’s a lot of contact where you’re not playing the ball, you’re just playing the receiver. A lot of contact, grabbing the arm. I would’ve supported a DPI.”
The Big 12 has released a statement saying one second should have been put back on the clock after CJ Carr's pass to Jaden Greathouse fell incomplete.
— Jack Soble (@jacksoble56) October 18, 2026
"Following the Big 12's review of the final play of Saturday's Notre Dame-BYU game, it was determined that time remained on the…
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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Big 12 provides statement on final second in Notre Dame-BYU matchup
