Oregon Ducks quarterback Bo Nix (10) warms up before a game against the Washington Huskies at Allegiant Stadium. Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Ref takes pass to the chest during Pac-12 Championship

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 12/1/23

The officials in the Pac-12 have been called many things over the years, but elite pass-catcher has never been one of them. One ref proved why during the final Pac-12 Championship Game on Friday between No. 5 Oregon and No. 3 Washington.

On Oregon's opening drive, quarterback Bo Nix unintentionally drilled an official in the chest with a pass. Even though the football hit him in the stripes, it fell to the turf, incomplete. Joking aside, the official tried his best but could not avoid Nix's throw, which looked to be on target for its intended receiver.

Luckily for the viewers at home, the ref cam captured the moment beautifully, giving fans a first-person view.

Watch out ref

Bo Nix nailed the ref straight in the chest pic.twitter.com/Dz8S5egIyK
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) December 2, 2023

The blunder was a sign of things to come for Oregon and their Heisman Trophy-hopeful QB. Aside from the zebra's pass breakup, the Ducks looked out of sorts during their first series, ultimately going three-and-out.

The final title game in the conference's history is bound to have some memorable moments but for fans hoping to see something unique, they received their wish early.

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