Big 12 Confirms Replay Error Gave BYU Unearned First-Quarter Touchdown

The Big 12 Conference officially conceded an error in the video review process that granted No. 8 BYU a first-quarter touchdown in their 27-20 victory over Arizona State on Saturday. The admission follows a sequence of events involving a fumble on the Cougars' initial offensive drive of the game.

During the play, quarterback Bear Bachmeier attempted a run from the one-yard line. He fumbled the ball, which was then recovered by BYU running back Sione Moa. Officials initially whistled the play dead, ruling Bachmeier down with forward progress. A subsequent review determined the ball had been fumbled and recovered by BYU. A second review by the conference's replay operations center in Irving, Texas, led to the decision to award the touchdown.

In a post-game statement, the Big 12 stated that the correct ruling should have been BYU ball for a third-and-goal from the two-yard line. The conference cited Rule 12-3-3-d-2, which dictates that the ball belongs to the recovering team at the spot of recovery and any advance is nullified if the ball is not dead. The statement explicitly noted that replay was incorrect in awarding a score.

Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham disputed the decision on the field, arguing that the ball could not be advanced. After the loss, he expressed his view on the mechanics of the play. Dillingham said he was arguing that Bachmeier had the right to recover post-whistle but that it was not a clear advancement, meaning the ball should have been placed at the three-yard line. He added that the error was not the fault of the on-field officials, as the decision came from the replay center.

This incident marks the third consecutive week of questionable officiating decisions in BYU games. Following the Cougars' 28-24 win over Notre Dame on October 17, the Big 12 stated that one second should have been added to the clock to allow the Fighting Irish a final play to win. In the previous Saturday's 39-31 double-overtime loss at UCF, officials triggered a 10-second runoff because kicker Will Stone's helmet came off during a blocked field goal attempt, removing his chance at a second kick.

The acknowledgment of the error confirms that the scoring play on Saturday was a technical violation of the rulebook regarding fumble recoveries. The Big 12's statement serves as the formal record of the mistake in the matchup between the Cougars and the Sun Devils.