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The Big 12 has sidelined an officiating crew from their next assignment after a major rules blunder during Missouri’s 42-31 victory over Kansas in Week 2, the conference announced. The controversy happened in the first quarter right after Mizzou’s opening touchdown, which drew an unsportsmanlike conduct flag. After Kansas blocked the extra point, officials incorrectly allowed Missouri to punt on the ensuing free kick — something that’s clearly prohibited by NCAA Football Rule 2, Section 16, Article 6.
The conference didn’t name which Friday game the crew will miss, only mentioning that it would be their “next scheduled assignment.” Mike McCabe’s officiating team is the one facing the discipline. There are two Big 12 games scheduled for Friday: Colorado visits Houston, while K-State travels to Arizona (which remains a non-conference matchup due to previous scheduling agreements).
“We believe we have one of the best officiating programs in college football,” said Scott Draper, the Big 12’s chief football & competition officer. “When the conference’s high standard for officiating is not met, the Big 12 will take action.”
This was a big deal.
The Border War rivalry — one of college football’s oldest feuds dating back to 1891 — returned after a 13-year hiatus following Mizzou’s departure from the Big 12 for the SEC back in 2011. Kansas jumped all over the Tigers early, building a commanding 21-6 lead in the opening quarter. But Missouri wasn’t done. The Tigers clawed back with a vengeance, dominating the final three quarters by outscoring the Jayhawks 36-10 to secure the comeback victory.
