It wouldn't be a big football game without bad officiating.
Experts questioned one held call and one non-call in Michigan's 34-13 win over Washington in Monday's national title game.
The two penalties don't count towards the 21 points on the scoreboard, but one call in a one-score game erased Washington's big gain.
With less than 12 minutes left in the fourth quarter and Michigan leading 20-13, Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. hit Roman Odunze for a 32-yard gain to the Michigan 35-yard line. decided.
But there were some yellow clotheslines on the field.
The referees issued a warning to tackle Roger Rosengarten for holding, putting Washington up 2-20.
The Huskies ultimately punted.
It's no surprise that Washington scored a touchdown, but it was the Huskies' last real scoring chance.
Former Giants offensive lineman Jeff Schwartz tweeted: “Hmm. RT in Washington recovered quite a bit there. Not my favorite held call.”
The punt loomed large as Michigan broke away with a five-play, 71-yard touchdown drive on its next possession to take a 14-point lead with 7:09 left.
On the first play of the drive, Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy found tight end Colston Loveland for a 41-yard gain, moving the Wolverines closer to the Huskies' 30-yard line.
However, on this play, University of Michigan right tackle Trente Jones made an excellent hold on Washington's Zion Tupuola-Fetui.
If that had been called, Michigan would have found itself on first-and-20 at its own 19-yard line.
A game-changing call on one side and no call on the other didn't sit well with those watching the game.
Tim Tebow tweeted: “It was really tough to hold off on the call after missing a few games against Michigan.”
Mike Golic Jr. tweets screenshot of blatant hold: “It was unforgivably bad, especially after the hold that completely changed UW's final drive.”
The game was nearly over after that touchdown when Penix threw an interception on the next drive and Michigan turned the final points into a touchdown.
