Michigan scores controversial touchdown despite Ohio State seemingly intercepting ball
Michigan scored a touchdown early in the second quarter to take a two-score lead on Ohio State, but the play didn’t come without controversy.
Roman Wilson caught a dart from JJ McCarthy for a 22-yard touchdown on third-and-10 to give Michigan a 14-3 lead. However, Ohio State cornerback Denzel Burke appeared to jar the ball loose before Wilson got into the end zone.
The play was reviewed and the call on the field was ultimately upheld, much to the displeasure of Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day. You can watch the controversial play here:
Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt offered his thoughts on the play as the review was taking place. At the least, Klatt felt that it was very, very close.
“Boy, I’ll tell you, I don’t know if he totally controlled that with the element of time necessary to make that a catch, which would mean there’s a chance here that this is an interception for Ohio State,” Klatt said. “Remember, he’s got to control the ball, and then have an element of time to become a runner with the ball, then being dead at the goal line.
“If that doesn’t happen, and he’s still trying to control the ball, then it would be live. … This is a wild play in the end zone.”
Fox Sports rules analyst Dean Blandino also offered his thoughts on the Michigan touchdown reception.
“We’ve had some really close ones today. The key is does Wilson have firm control and then, clearly establish himself as a runner?” Blandino said. “He’s taking additional steps. If he doesn’t and the Ohio State defender pulls that away before he completes the catch, then we’d have an interception. It was ruled a touchdown on the field and again, it’s so close. Does he have firm control? Do we have enough to overturn this?”
Ultimately the call was not overturned, giving Michigan a 14-3 first-half lead.
Moments after the call was not overturned, Ryan Day was shown pleading his case with officials about the call.
The Roman Wilson touchdown wasn’t the only controversial play of the first half.
Earlier in the game, Michigan running back Blake Corum came close to scoring a touchdown on third-and-goal from the 1. Corum was called inches short of a touchdown on the field, and after replay review, the call was upheld.
Ultimately it didn’t matter, though. Corum scored on fourth-and-inches on the next play, easily reaching the end zone.