Big 12 Officiating Crew Removed from Assignment After Kansas vs. Missouri Mistake

The Big 12 is removing the officiating crew that worked Saturday's game between Kansas and Missouri from its next assignment after it missed a rules violation during the rivalry contest.

ESPN's Heather Dinich reported Tuesday the conference announced the crew was reprimanded for a mistake made in the first quarter. 

"The play occurred in the first quarter after Missouri's first touchdown, when the Tigers were flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct," Dinich explained. "Kansas blocked the extra point attempt, and the ensuing kickoff was illegal. The Big 12 officials allowed a punt to occur on a free kick in violation of Rule 2 Section 16 Article 6 of NCAA Football rules."

That rule in the NCAA rulebook states: "A kickoff is a free kick that starts each half and follows each try or field goal (Exception: In extra periods). It must be a place kick or a drop kick."

Dinich noted the officiating crew's next assignment was scheduled for Friday.

There are two Big 12 games Friday with Colorado facing Houston in one and Kansas State playing Arizona in the other.

"We believe we have one of the best officiating programs in college football," Big 12 chief football and competition officer Scott Draper said. "When the Conference's high standard for officiating is not met, the Big 12 will take action."

Despite the officials' mistake, Missouri ended up winning 42-31.

Quarterback Beau Pribula went 30-of-39 for 334 yards, three touchdowns and zero interceptions, while running backs Jamal Roberts and Ahmad Hardy combined for 255 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

It seemed like Kansas was going to win when it jumped out to a 21-6 lead in the first half, but the Jayhawks' defense had no answer for the high-powered Tigers offense as the game progressed.

Next up for Missouri is a game against Louisiana ahead of SEC play, while Kansas is off this week ahead of its Big 12 opener against West Virginia on Sept. 20.