USC Trojans, Michigan Wolverines Suspicious Officiating Called Into Question

The No. 11 USC Trojans suffered a close loss against the No. 18 Michigan Wolverines. A top focus of this loss was how many penalties were not called against Michigan.

Sep 21, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Miller Moss (7) passes in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images / Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

The No. 11 USC Trojans faced their first loss of the season to the No. 18 Michigan Wolverines. In the 27-14 loss, the officiating of the game is being questioned after multiple missed calls were highlighted by the CBS broadcast. While at the end of the day, the Trojans still lost the game, in a close matchup, the officiating could have changed the outcome.

The reason for the dismay is that the officiating came off as one-sided. The USC Trojans did commit penalties too, but there were many times that a missed call would have favored the Trojans. The instances began early in the game and continued throughout.

As the Wolverines’ offense took the field for a fourth down play, the play clock ran out before the snap, yet the game continued with no call. Given the down, if the penalty was called, it would have likely changed the results. Delay of game penalties are occasionally questionable, but it was clear the Big Ten officiating crew failed.

Sep 21, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Miller Moss (7) passes in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images / Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

There were three missed calls for face masks against Trojans quarterback Miller Moss. Moss was under pressure frequently throughout the game by Michigan’s defense, but USC should have gotten a few 15-yard penalties on a couple of plays.

Although the missed calls hurt the Trojans’ chances of winning, the real issue are the injuries. It was a rough game for the Trojans players overall. USC wide receiver Makai Lemon was hospitalized following an injury after an uncalled blindside block. Wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane appeared to be injured on an illegal horse collar tackle that was not called.

In a close, physical game, the clear penalties need to be called sooner to prevent injuries to both teams.

Following the game, coach Lincoln Riley commented on the missed call against the Kyron Hudson pass. Riley said he thought the play should be reviewed before the first quarter ended, and the officials told Riley that it was.

Sep 21, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; USC Trojans running back Woody Marks (4) runs while defended by Michigan Wolverines defensive back Jyaire Hill (20) in the second half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images / Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Whether it was issues spotting the ball or missing calls, this was not the best game for the Big Ten officiating crew overall in its first conference game of the season. There were just three penalities called against Michigan compared to six against USC.

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