CBS rules analyst Gene Steratore criticizes Big Ten officials for missed call in Oregon vs. Illinois

CBS Sports rules analyst Gene Steratore believes there was a costly missed call in the first quarter of Saturday’s game between Oregon and Illinois. Fighting Illini receiver Zakhari Franklin appeared to make a block in the back while running back Aidan Laughery was in the midst of a long run.

However, there was no flag throw as Laughery rumbled for 34 yards to put his team in field goal range. Illinois went on to score its first points of the game to cut the Ducks lead to 14-3, and Steratore offered his thoughts.

“I was looking at the one hand to see if there was enough on the side, but to me, I think Zakhari Franklin is really pushing with force from the back and I think a block in the back is the right call,” he said.

.@GeneSteratore believes a penalty should've been called on the long run that set up the Illinois field goal. pic.twitter.com/z0AlAoiUjl

— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) October 26, 2024

Ultimately, Oregon gave up only three more yards on the drive as it limited Illinois to a field goal. The Ducks have since continued to dominate throughout the first half and currently lead 35-3 with less than a minute to go until halftime.

Dillon Gabriel has had another efficient day throwing the ball so far to go 16-of-20 passing for 246 yards and three touchdowns. Even in spite of the missed call, Oregon looks well on its way to another win to improve to 8-0.

Ultimately, the Ducks would hang on for a dominant 38-9 victory as the missed call ended up being quickly forgotten. Gabriel scored four total touchdowns, all of which came in the first half, to lead his team to the easy win.

Oregon will look to finish out the rest of the month strong as it hopes to win the Big Ten Championship. The Ducks next have a matchup against Michigan in Week 10.