Big Ten won’t discipline Maryland-Nebraska officiating crew or fine Rhule for postgame criticism

Advertisement

Advertise with us

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — No disciplinary action will be taken against Big Ten officials who worked the Maryland-Nebraska football game or against Cornhuskers coach Matt Rhule for his postgame criticism of the crew, a conference spokesman said Tuesday.

Read this article for free:


or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Subscribe and receive a limited-edition Free Press branded hat or tote.

Digital Subscription

One year of digital access for only $205*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles

*First annual payment billed as $205.00 + GST for one year. This annual subscription will automatically renew at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks (10% off the regular annual price of $259.35). Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Add Free Press access to your Brandon Sun subscription for only an additional

$1 for the first 4 weeks*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles
Start now

*Your next Brandon Sun subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $17.95 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.95 plus GST every four weeks.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — No disciplinary action will be taken against Big Ten officials who worked the Maryland-Nebraska football game or against Cornhuskers coach Matt Rhule for his postgame criticism of the crew, a conference spokesman said Tuesday.

The Big Ten announced Monday that Nebraska’s final point-after kick in a 48-23 victory in Lincoln on Saturday was incorrectly officiated after a roughing-the-snapper penalty was called.

Since Nebraska missed the attempt, the penalty should have resulted in the Huskers retrying the attempt with the penalty yardage enforced as half the distance to the goal. However, the miss was allowed to stand and the penalty yardage was incorrectly assessed on the ensuing kickoff.

Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule protests a referee's call as his team plays against Maryland during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, in Lincoln, Neb. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule protests a referee's call as his team plays against Maryland during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, in Lincoln, Neb. (AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz)

“The Big Ten has been in contact with its officiating team from Saturday’s game regarding the error and will continue to emphasize consistent application of the playing rules,” the conference said in a statement.

Rhule indicated after the game that he expected to be fined for his criticism of officials. A combined 28 penalties were called, most in a game since 2021, and the Huskers were flagged 16 times.

“I thought it was ridiculous,” Rhule said. “I thought it was poorly handled by the officials and poorly done by us. You’ve never heard me say that before but I was frustrated today. There were things I’ve never had called before.”

Asked to elaborate on his comments, Rhule said, “I’m just waiting for the fine. I’m going to stop, respectfully. l’ve probably said too much.”

The officiating crew headed by refereee Jim Wharrie also worked the Western Michigan-Michigan game Sept. 5. That game ended with confusion about the game clock. An extra second was put on the clock, and Michigan’s second attempt at a Hail Mary pass was successful, giving the Wolverines a 13-12 win. Big Ten replay officials ordered the extra second, and on-field officials were not at fault, spokesman David Bassity noted.

___

Sign up for Top 25 poll alerts here, visit the Top 25 here and see AP’s full college football coverage here

Report Error Submit a Tip

Uncategorized

LOAD UNCATEGORIZED ARTICLES