College football has always had its share of controversial calls, but lately, the blunders seem to be piling up at an alarming rate. The latest gaffe came Saturday night in the Notre Dame–BYU matchup, where officials lost track of the clock and prematurely ended the game. The Big 12 later admitted the error, but the damage was done.
Longtime officiating analyst Mike Pereira didn't hold back when discussing the recurring issues. In an interview with The Athletic, Pereira expressed his frustration, saying, '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.'
Pereira's comments come after a similar clock controversy earlier this season when Michigan staged a comeback against Western Michigan. In that game, the clock seemingly expired, but replays showed time should have remained. The officials failed to review properly, and Pereira was quick to criticize.
'You have to review it,' Pereira said. 'That had to be reviewed immediately.' He added, 'I understand missing pass interference. This, especially after what happened six weeks ago, it’s embarrassing. They get one more play.'
The Notre Dame–BYU finish was particularly egregious. With the Fighting Irish down by a point and no timeouts, a final play ended with the clock showing zero, but the replay clearly indicated a second should have been added. The Big 12's statement on Sunday morning acknowledged the mistake, saying the play was 'incorrectly cleared by the replay officiating crew.'
These errors are not just frustrating for fans; they have real consequences. A single play can decide a game, and when officials botch something as basic as the clock, it undermines the integrity of the sport. Pereira's call for accountability echoes the growing sentiment among fans and analysts alike.
This isn't just about one game, though. The pattern of mistakes has sparked a broader conversation about the state of college football officiating. From missed calls to procedural errors, the need for reform is becoming impossible to ignore.
Fans have taken notice, too. Social media is buzzing with complaints, and some are even questioning whether the sport's leadership is doing enough. The criticism from high-profile voices like Pereira and others adds to the pressure for change.
While the Big 12 has promised a 'complete review' of its end-of-game processes, Pereira's frustration suggests that words aren't enough. He wants action, and he wants it now. 'It’s crushing when mistakes like this happen, because they clearly impact the outcome of the game,' he said.
As the season rolls on, fans can only hope that officials learn from these high-profile gaffes. With so much on the line, every game deserves a fair chance to be decided on the field, not by a blown call.
