7. Washington vs. BYU – September 6, 2008
This was the one freshest on our minds and frankly triggered the inception of this list. A close game that pitted the Washington Huskies against a BYU team that has been called a potential “BCS Buster” in the pre-season, had one of the most bizarre endings in recent memory.
Huskies quarterback Jake Locker had capped off an impressive drive by scampering into the end zone and bringing his team within one point of BYU. Locker, noticeably excited from scoring the go ahead touchdown, appeared to throw the football over his shoulder, but it instead flew up in the air.
The referee called it unsportsmanlike conduct, citing that the rules state if the ball is thrown high into the air it can be called for excessive celebration, according to the official’s discretion. The Huskies were penalized 15 yards and instead of a simple PAT, they had to attempt a 32 yard field goal to tie the game. The attempt was blocked.
This was obviously a ridiculous call as ball being tossed in the air was clearly not an attempt to “showboat” by Locker. Furthermore, seeing as how the call impacted the outcome of the game, restraint should have been exercised by the official.
On the other hand, if Washington’s special teams unit had converted a relatively easy field goal, the game would have gone into overtime and they would have had a chance to win. Regardless, it was a moronic call.
6. Temple vs. UConn – September 15, 2007
There was no excuse for this call seeing as how it occurred well after instant replay had been implemented in college football. Coming into this game, UConn had not lost yet and Temple had not won yet.
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