Wisconsin and their fans are fuming over an offensive pass interference penalty call during Wednesday’s Rose Bowl loss to Oregon.
The Badgers had the ball at their 28 down 28-27 with under 3:30 remaining and were looking to drive to take the lead. They were facing a 3rd-and-6 and Jack Coan completed a pass to Jake Ferguson for a first down … or so Wisconsin thought.
Instead, Danny Davis III was called for offensive pass interference.
“OPI” pic.twitter.com/Rs6vIoYTWY
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) January 2, 2020
The official called the penalty immediately, and I can’t disagree with it. Davis initiated contact beyond the neutral zone and looked like he was trying to block the defender.
Sunday Night Football rules analyst Terry McAulay disagreed with the call.
That is not OPI against Wisconsin. The receiver is trying to get into his route and the defender grabs him and prevents him from releasing. #OREvsWIS
— Terry McAulay (@SNFRules) January 2, 2020
Wisconsin coach Paul Chryst was going nuts on the sideline over the call, which resulted in a 3rd-and-20. Coan was nearly intercepted on the next play, and Wisconsin punted on fourth down. They were unable to stop Oregon on the ensuing possession, allowing the Ducks to run out the clock on a 1-point win.
