The fourth quarter of Saturday’s football game between Minnesota and Michigan was filled with unusual moments. The Wolverines entered the quarter with a commanding 24-3 lead after dominating the earlier play, but the Golden Gophers suddenly found their rhythm. In the final two minutes, Minnesota managed to narrow the score to 27-24 and attempted an onside kick to regain possession. While the Golden Gophers recovered the kick, it was flagged for offsides. Michigan then recovered the next attempt, sealing the game.
Ron Johnson tweeted a slow-motion video of the controversial onside kick, noting that the call seemed borderline. The rules state that no part of the body can cross the line of scrimmage before the ball is kicked, and although the Minnesota player’s feet were behind the line, his head might have been leaning forward, leading to the penalty.
The game’s conclusion sparked controversy, prompting the Big Ten to revise its onside kick protocols to ensure better oversight of the line of scrimmage to prevent similar disputes in the future. The conference released a statement indicating that offside penalties are not reviewable plays and that the call was enforced before Minnesota’s second onside kick attempt, which was recovered by Michigan. Effective immediately, the Big Ten received NCAA approval to modify officiating mechanics for onside kicks, placing multiple officials in better positions to make accurate calls.
I’m not here to change anything… but here is the slow motion video of the #Gophers #Michigan controversial onside kick…
At contact looks a little too close to even throw the flag. But I’m biased… #YouBeTheJudgePS: I read the Rule 6: Kicking and it’s still not clear. pic.twitter.com/mOBbUhun9c
— Ron Johnson (@3RonJohnson) September 29, 2024
Minnesota head coach PJ Fleck submitted the play for review, expressing frustration over the penalty. Had the flag not been thrown, Minnesota would have had possession at the Michigan 40-yard line with 1:30 left, providing a solid chance to score a game-winning touchdown or at least tie the game with a field goal. Fleck acknowledged the Big Ten’s recognition of the need for changes to ensure accurate officiating in the future.
Despite the backlash over the penalty, it stood, and Michigan went on to secure the victory, improving to 4-1 and ranking #10 in the nation. Meanwhile, Minnesota fell to 2-3 overall and 0-2 in Big Ten play, missing out on a crucial win.
