Big Sky: Refs botched call on 'missed' field goal in EWU-Idaho game
The Big Sky Conference acknowledged Sunday that officials incorrectly ruled an Eastern Washington field goal attempt was no good in a tie game early in the fourth quarter of a game at Idaho on Saturday at the Kibbie Dome in Moscow.
The 24-yard kick by Seth Harrison, a sophomore from Coeur d'Alene High, appeared to bounce off the bottom of the scoreboard on the wall situated just behind the goal post. The kick climbed higher than the top of the uprights.
One of the officials under one of the uprights could be seen adjusting his face mask at the time of the kick, and didn't immediately signal the kick good or no good.
After conferring with another official, and a video review from TV did not show where exactly the kick went, the kick was ruled no good.
The game was tied at 21 with 11:06 remaining when the play occurred. Idaho eventually won the game 28-21 on a touchdown in the final minute.
The statement from the Big Sky Conference reads:
"Big Sky Conference staff in conjunction with its football coordinator of officials have reviewed the field goal attempt by Eastern Washington University with 11:06 remaining in the fourth quarter of the football game Saturday at the University of Idaho. After watching additional video footage, it is evident that the official incorrectly ruled it a missed field goal. The Big Sky acknowledges and regrets this error in officiating.
"Per Rule 12-3-1-b, this play was not reviewable because the ball was higher than the top of the upright. The physical setup of the scoreboard and catwalk directly adjacent to the uprights in this endzone of the Kibbie Dome create unique conditions when determining whether a kick is good. In light of these circumstances, the Big Sky is evaluating the mechanics of where officials are located during a field goal or extra point attempt to be positioned better to evaluate these types of plays."
Walker, Coffey earn Big Sky honors: Vandal junior linebacker Tre Walker was named Big Sky Player of the Week on defense, and senior punter Cade Coffey earned the award for special teams.
Walker tied for the team lead with 15 total tackles, including 10 solo tackles. He also forced a fumble and recorded one of two Vandal sacks on the day. While this is a defensive award, Walker’s impact was not limited to the defensive side of the ball. He also rushed for 27 yards on five carries.
Coffey, from Lakeland High, punted seven times and pinned the Eagles inside their own 20 on four occasions. His longest of the day went for 61 yards, and he averaged 50.6 yards per punt.
Idaho plays host to UC Davis on Saturday at noon.