MINNEAPOLIS — The Big Ten is reviewing Saturday’s controversial onside kick that allowed this Michigan seals a 27-24 win over Minnesota.
Head Coach PJ Fleck says he has spoken with Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti and expected to hear back from the conference Monday afternoon.
Michigan led 24-3 entering the fourth quarter, but Minnesota scored three touchdowns to pull within 27-24 with 1:37 to go. On the next play, the Gophers recovered the offside kick, but were flagged for offside. Linebacker Matt Kingsbury was called for the penalty.
During the FOX broadcast of Saturday’s game, rules analyst Mike Pereira said he didn’t think Kingsbury was offside. The piece was not reviewable and could not be challenged.
The Gophers punted again after the penalty and Michigan recovered, allowing the Wolverines to run out the clock.
“It took 60 plays on both sides of the ball to get to that final play,” Fleck said. “Each play tells its own story.”
He went on to say that one play doesn’t lose a game, but believes one play can win a game.
Fleck said the team did a good job taking Saturday’s loss with class and learning from the game.
The Gophers host No. 11 USC on Saturday, October 5. USC has officially joined the Big Ten Conference along with Oregon, UCLA and the University of Washington.
The kick-off is at 6:30 PM
