Texas appeared to catch a break on a disputed third-down play against Missouri on Saturday, when officials ruled that Arch Manning had fumbled the ball forward rather than thrown an incomplete pass.
The Longhorns were down 20-13 late in the third quarter, facing third-and-10. Manning dropped back and was hit as he released the ball. It looked to many viewers as if his arm had moved forward before he lost control, but the officiating crew let the play continue.
One official signaled incomplete pass, while another appeared to rule the ball live. After a review, the crew upheld the call as a forward fumble. Texas receiver Emmett Mosley V recovered it 14 yards downfield, giving the Longhorns a first down.
On the ABC broadcast, play-by-play announcer Joe Tessitore questioned whether officials were saying it was a fumble rather than a forward pass. Analyst Jesse Palmer also sounded surprised. The decision stood, and Texas scored a game-tying touchdown three plays later.
The ruling quickly drew criticism from fans and former players. Former referee and rules analyst Terry McAulay said Manning had lost control after his arm moved forward, making it an incomplete pass. Former Missouri and NFL quarterback Chase Daniel called the decision one of the most ridiculous calls he had seen.
Others argued the ruling had badly hurt Missouri’s playoff hopes. Some fans went further, accusing the SEC of favoring Texas and Manning, though those claims were not supported by evidence.
Texas went on to score 21 unanswered points and won 34-20. After the game, Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz suggested he would face a fine if he said exactly what he thought of the officiating. The disputed call, though, remained a major talking point for Missouri fans.
