FOX Sports rules analyst Dean Blandino rips officials for second controversial call in Colorado's favor

For the second time of the night, FOX rules analyst Dean Blandino was on the case of the refs in the Colorado–Texas Tech game. And this time was for a call that should’ve cost the Buffaloes.

While officials threw a flag for targeting on a hit delivered by Amari McNeill on Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton. But on that play they missed an evident facemask call, as Keaten Wade had grabbed Morton’s facemask prior to the hit from McNeill.

So while the targeting was reviewed and ultimately reversed, the facemask that would’ve given the Red Raiders a first down was never called.

“Initially with the flag down I thought they have the facemask,” Blandino said on the broadcast. “I do think he got the mask with the left hand. This is what they’re calling. You do have a player that is considered defenseless. The contact was not the head or neck area. Again it’s going to come down to the crown. Did he hit him with the top of the helmet? That’s what they’re looking at here.”

After review, there is no foul on this play for targeting

It will be Colorado ball 👉 pic.twitter.com/mnHIrOr7Oq

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 9, 2024

Blandino also questioned a dubious personal foul call for roughing the passer earlier.

Folks in Lubbock were not too happy with a call made after Shedeur Sanders was brought down. Texas Tech was called for roughing the passer, giving the Buffaloes 15 yards and an automatic first down. Arguably the most controversial penalty in college football, this one has brought some debate.

After getting a replay of the hit, Blandino was in agreement with the Jones AT&T Stadium crowd. Sanders did appear to get hit low but after another look was enough to convince Blandino that the call was an incorrect one.

“You want to protect the passer in that defenseless posture,” Blandino said while watching replays. “And again, really tough to tell — if it’s above this knee. That’s high. I don’t like that call.”

Shedeur Sanders takes a big hit here

Do you agree this was roughing the passer? pic.twitter.com/IH2h8MVSiT

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 9, 2024

Play-by-play announcer Jason Benetti even wondered what the Texas Tech defender was supposed to do. Color commentator Brock Huard was not too sure either, not being able to provide much of an answer. You can watch the full play and Blandino’s reaction here.