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A questionable call in a game between Pitt and BC is going viral on social media. The play resulted in a touchdown for the Eagles, but many college football viewers aren’t sure it was the right decision.
In the second half of a close game, Boston College quarterback Thomas Castellanos took a shot to the endzone, throwing deep to an open receiver.
Lewis Bond initially brought the pass down, but as he went to the ground, a Panthers defender knocked the ball loose.
In real time, it looked like an incompletion, and everyone on the field reacted as so, including Bond. Referees convened and opted to rule the play a touchdown after a few moments.
Castellanos to Bond for 6️⃣! pic.twitter.com/w89tfwNxsF
— Boston College Football (@BCFootball) November 17, 2023
After being reviewed, the officiating crew stuck with the original call.
The touchdown ruling gave Boston College a 13-10 lead in the third quarter, causing a number of fans to post reactions online.
“He was still trying to secure the ball and lost in the process. The receiver even got up defeated going back to the huddle knowing he didn’t catch it.”
“You must complete the catch if you fall to the ground…. If he stayed standing it’s a touchdown.”
“The WR acting like it wasn’t a TD tells you everything you need to know.”
Some agreed with the call, though.
“It’s a TD, he had possession for like 4 steps.”
“Yes. College is one foot down. He takes 2+ before the ball moves.”
Whatever your opinion, the call gave BC six points on the scoreboard. The Eagles wouldn’t be able to capitalize, though.
The Panthers scored on a 61-yard touchdown pass the very next drive to retake the lead. After a fourth quarter BC field goal, Pitt would hit another 60+ yard score to put the final nail in the coffin.
GOODBYE 🙌 @RodneyLHammond1
📺 @ESPN 📻 @937theFan #H2P » #BeatBC pic.twitter.com/oEDczDpsPk
— Pitt Football (@Pitt_FB) November 17, 2023