Wolverine Digest

Michigan Football: Desmond Howard surprised by commentary around controversial call

Chris Breiler

Jan 1, 2024; Pasadena, CA, USA; Desmond Howard on the ESPN College Gameday set at the 2024 Rose Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Jan 1, 2024; Pasadena, CA, USA; Desmond Howard on the ESPN College Gameday set at the 2024 Rose Bowl college football playoff semifinal game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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Another week, another fan base complaining after a loss to Michigan. Last week, it was USC fans who thought the referees were turning a blind eye to several penalties that they believe cost the Trojans the game. This week, it's Minnesota fans who believe they were the victims of a plot by the referees to make a critical ruling in Michigan's favor, ultimately sealing the win for the Wolverines.

The controversial call came with less than two minutes left in the fourth quarter. With the Golden Gophers trailing by a field goal, they lined up and attempted an onside kick. Initially, it looked like Minnesota would be successful in their effort as the ball was recovered by linebacker Matt Kingsbury. But the celebration was short-lived, as the referee had thrown a flag and ruled that Minnesota was offside on the kick.

There's no doubt that it was a close call that could have gone either way, but that's not exactly an uncommon occurrence in college football... or sports in general. During the broadcast, FOX rules analyst Mike Pereira indicated that he thought the call was wrong. Based on his review of the tape, Pereira said he didn't think Minnesota was offside.

"I don't think he's offside," Pereira said. "I mean, if you take a look at the high shot... like the all-22, I don't think he's breaking the plane."

Although Pereira had his thoughts on the controversial call, the call would stand and Minnesota was forced to attempt another onside kick. This time the Wolverines recovered it, sealing the game in Michigan's favor.

But after listening to Pereira's assessment of the call, ESPN analyst (and Michigan football legend) Desmond Howard seemed a little caught off guard by what he heard.

"Really surprising to hear Mike take such a defiant position against the call of the official," Howard wrote on X. "Usually guys in his role are more hesitant to throw an official under the bus."

The controversial caused such a stir that it led the Big Ten to make a change to its onside officiating protocols.

Via Adam Rittenberg of ESPN:

"Officiating crews from the league will now position the line judge and head line judge on the restraining line of the kicking team, 'thereby putting multiple officials in the best position to consistently make the correct judgement,' the Big Ten said in a statement. The change to the officiating mechanic was approved by the NCAA."

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Chris Breiler
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