OVC statement: Officials missed calling penalty on game-tying TSU touchdown
The Ohio Valley Conference has issued a statement, admitting that the officiating crew failed to call and assess a penalty on Tennessee State on the Tigers' game-tying touchdown as time expired. Tech lost, 22-21.
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. -- The Ohio Valley Conference has issued a statement, admitting that the officiating crew failed to call and assess a penalty on Tennessee State on the Tigers' game-tying touchdown as time expired in Tennessee Tech's 22-21 loss last Saturday in TSU's Hale Stadium.
After holding No. 21 TSU out of the end zone the entire game, Tech was the victim of a pass play that tied the score with no time remaining when the Tigers lined up in what the OVC admits was an illegal formation. TSU kicked the PAT afterward to win the game.
The OVC Statement:
"On the last play of regulation, Tennessee State threw a touchdown pass to tie the game and then kicked the extra point to win it," said Jim Jackson, Coordinator of Football Officiating. "The offense was lined up in an illegal formation as there were five players in the offensive backfield. There should have been a foul called, a penalty of 5 yards assessed, and the down should have been replayed."
Coach Watson Brown and the Golden Eagles will be back on the field Saturday when they host Eastern Illinois for Tech's Homecoming game in Tucker Stadium. Kickoff is at 1:30 p.m. For tickets, please visit the Athletics Ticket Office in Eblen Center or call 931-372-3940.
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