Big Sky Notes Officiating Error In UNC-UND Game
GRAND FORKS, N.D. (AP) - The Big Sky Conference has acknowledged that the Northern Colorado football team had an extra man on defense during a crucial play late in the team's win over North Dakota.
Northern Colorado had 12 men on the field when it stopped UND on a fourth-and-1 play with 35 seconds remaining in Saturday's game. Conference officials say that should have resulted in a 5-yard penalty, giving UND a first down. Instead, UNC took possession and ran out the clock for a 28-27 win.
The Big Sky's acknowledgement of the error doesn't change the game's outcome. But Commissioner Doug Fullerton says members of the officiating crew will get lower grades. Assistant Commissioner Jon Kasper says that could affect their ability to officiate playoff games or even to be rehired by the league.
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