Big Ten makes notable change after controversial Michigan-Minnesota ending

The Big Ten is making a notable change to its officiating protocols after the controversial ending to Saturday’s game between the Michigan Wolverines and Minnesota Golden Gophers.

The conference said Monday it is implementing a “modified officiating mechanic” that will position both the Line Judge and the Head-Line Judge on the kicking team’s restraining line in order to give multiple officials the best possible view of onside kicks. In Saturday’s game, the Golden Gophers were flagged for offside in a call that was left to the umpire.

NEW: The Big Ten is modifying its officiating protocol for onside kicks after the ending of Minnesota-Michigan. pic.twitter.com/jDzhr8l9KY

— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) September 30, 2024

The Big Ten cited the controversial ending as the instigator for the change, though the conference did not explicitly admit that the offsides call was incorrect. This change would certainly suggest that there are at least some doubts about the flag, though.

Replays indicated that if Minnesota was offside on the onside kick, it was almost impossible to tell, and the decision to throw the flag was sharply criticized. If no flag had been thrown, Minnesota would have been in excellent position to tie the game with a minute and a half to go. They ultimately wound up losing to the Wolverines 27-24.