Cincinnati's Tuberville on refs in Ohio State game: 'I can't complain about it'

Cincinnati coach Tommy Tuberville said he "can't complain" about a couple of questionable calls that went against the Bearcats in Saturday's 50-28 loss to Ohio State.

Cincinnati coach Tommy Tuberville said he "can't complain" about a couple of calls that went against the Bearcats in Saturday's 50-28 loss to Ohio State.

One call that drew attention was a third-quarter pass interference on Cincinnati receiver Johnny Holton. Ohio State cornerback Eli Apple grabbed Holton's jersey on the play, but Holton was flagged after pushing Apple. The call resulted in a 1st-and-25 situation for the Bearcats, who trailed by eight points at the time. Cincinnati failed to convert and punted, and Ohio State scored on the ensuing possession to take a 15-point lead.

Another call that appeared questionable was a second quarter Bearcats touchdown that was called back after officials ruled Cincinnati had an ineligible receiver downfield.

The Bearcats were whistled for six penalties for 40 yards, while the Buckeyes were flagged for seven penalties for 40 yards.

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"I can't complain about it," Tuberville said, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. "Two went against us that we'd have liked to have gone the other way, and maybe we had a shot. They didn't, and you can't complain about those. You've got to make your own breaks."

Though Tuberville didn't speak out about calls, NC State coach Dave Doeren was open about what he perceived was unfair treatment from officials in his team's 56-41 loss to Florida State. 

"There was some unbelievable holding by their (FSU's) offensive line that apparently is invisible," Doeren said after the game.

Cincinnati is now 2-1 this season with wins over Miami (OH) and Toledo and a loss to Ohio State. The Bearcats host Memphis on Saturday.

Ohio State, ranked No. 20 in the latest Associated Press poll, is now 3-1 with wins over Kent State, Cincinnati and Navy and a loss to Virginia Tech. The Buckeyes play at Maryland in their Big Ten opener on Saturday.