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The Worst Officiating Call Of 2024 College Football Season Has Been Named

Originally posted on The Spun | By Kameron Duncan | Last updated Feb 18, 2025 3:45 PM ET

Fans of every sport have complained about officiating, but it seems that no group of fans is as passionate about missed calls as college football fans.

The mood of an entire state or region of the country can hinge on a referee's decision, as one of America's favorite sports has a unique regional attachment.

With Ohio State taking home the national title in a relatively uncontroversial game, one college football writer attempted to rank the top 10 worst officiating calls of the 2024 season.

According to Pete Nakos of On3, the answer was clear - a missed targeting call against Texas during the Peach Bowl against Arizona State.

Texas defensive back Michael Taaffe hit Arizona State's Melquan Stovall on a catch over the middle on third down. If a targeting penalty was assessed on the play, Arizona State would have been able to continue its drive with a new set of downs.

1. Texas not called for targeting against Arizona State in the Peach Bowl...

(via @ESPN) https://t.co/gsNdJu8jwR pic.twitter.com/dVXWhZV0Vg
— On3 (@On3sports) February 18, 2025

However, despite what appeared to be clear evidence to overturn, the call on the field was upheld.

Texas ended up winning the game in overtime to advance to the national semifinal in the Cotton Bowl, but many felt that the play could have ended Arizona State's season.

“Yes, this should have been a flag for targeting in Texas vs. Arizona State. It meets all of the criteria of targeting (Rule 9-1-4)," said former NFL referee and CBS rules analyst Gene Steratore about the play after the game.

Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark also sought a closer evaluation of officiating crews in the College Football Playoff after his conference's champion was affected by the play.

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 01: The referees meet at mid-field before the Texas Longhorns versus Arizona State Sun Devils College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on January 1, 2025, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Icon Sportswire/Getty Images

I have had multiple discussions seeking clarity surrounding the targeting call on Arizona State’s final drive of the 4th quarter with [College Football Playoff] executive director] Richard Clark,” the commissioner said.

“Moving forward, we need to address CFP officiating to ensure national standards are developed. These standards will be crucial to the CFP’s future, and I look forward to discussing them with my fellow committee members when we meet next.”

As the College Football Playoff settles into its expanded format, we'll see if more calls like the one in the Peach Bowl have an effect on other teams and their chances to win a national championship.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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