Controversial Ending to Miami-Ole Miss Showdown
Thursday night’s game between the Miami Hurricanes and Ole Miss Rebels has been labeled as one of the best College Football Playoff (CFP) matches of the season, possibly even in history.
Yet, it will likely be remembered for its controversy.
As the game wound down, with Ole Miss trailing 31-27 and only six seconds on the clock, quarterback Trinidad Chambliss threw a pass intended for wide receiver Dezhorn Stribling in the left corner of the end zone. Miami defensive back Ethan O’Connor was covering Stribling during the play. However, when the camera focused on the end of the action, viewers could clearly see O’Connor pulling Stribling down by his jersey.
This was evident to most observers.
Despite the clear infraction, no penalty flag was thrown for what appeared to be O’Connor dragging Stribling to the ground to gain position on the ball.
It’s not as if the officials weren’t in a good position to make the call. The referee was right there at the goal line and had a clear view of the contact. While there is some leeway for referees during a Hail Mary situation, the level of interaction between O’Connor and Stribling seemed to exceed the usual pushing and shoving typical of such plays.
Indeed, O’Connor appears to have physically pulled Stribling to the ground.
Additionally, the play itself wasn’t just a last-ditch effort; only 18 seconds remained when Chambliss made two crucial throws that positioned the Rebels close to scoring. Had a penalty been called, Ole Miss would have been awarded a 15-yard advantage and an additional play with no time left.
ESPN CFB Rules Analyst Bill Lemonnier defended the officials, suggesting that both players were contesting for position and that the contact was negligible in terms of impact.
However, the video contradicts this claim, showing O’Connor using Stribling’s body as leverage while jumping for the ball, subsequently bringing the receiver down.
While Miami played well enough to secure a 31-27 victory, many feel Ole Miss deserved another opportunity based on how the game unfolded. Regardless of the outcome, the game’s thrilling nature makes the significance of this controversial call hard to ignore.
