UT petitions to have loss against Syracuse vacated

Big East officiating admit to incorrect ruling

Toldeo running back David Fuellen (22) is chased by Syracuse's Mikhail Marinovich (54) during Saturday's game in Syracuse, N.Y.

ASSOCIATED PRESS

'The improper use of technology' is an 'injustice,' says UT head coach Tim Beckman.

The University of Toledo has petitioned to have the results from Saturday's 33-30 overtime loss at Syracuse officially vacated, athletic director Mike O'Brien announced at an impromptu news conference Sunday.

With 2:07 remaining in Saturday's game, Syracuse kicker Ross Krautman appeared to miss an extra point that put the Orange ahead 30-27, but officials on the field ruled that the kick went through the uprights. An ensuing review by the replay official confirmed the call on the field.

On their next possession, the Rockets drove down the field, and Ryan Casano booted a 20-yard field goal as time expired to send the game into overtime. UT ended up losing in the extra session after throwing an interception on its first possession and Krautman later kicked the game-winning field goal.

Toldeo running back David Fuellen (22) is chased by Syracuse's Mikhail Marinovich (54) during Saturday's game in Syracuse, N.Y.

Big East Conference coordinator of football officiating Terry McAulay issued a statement, with regard to the play in question, Saturday night admitting that the officials on the field and the replay official erred in ruling the extra-point attempt good.

Because of that admission, O'Brien requested that Mid-American Conference commissioner Jon Steinbrecher contact Big East officials for the purpose of having the game results vacated.

"This can be looked upon in a variety of ways," O'Brien said. "Whether it be sour grapes, that athletic director is a sore loser, or praised, I think it's important we show our football team that we truly support them, that we show our football coach and his staff we're here for them and support them and tell our fan base that it wasn't a situation where the University of Toledo just lays down."

UT coach Tim Beckman called the blown call an "injustice" against his team.

"I'm here today to fight for our Rocket football team," Beckman said. "The game of football has numerous human errors throughout a game. The players, coaches and officials are all apart of these. That's football. But when you add technology to a call and it is not used properly, it is injustice. The use of instant replay is there to make a call right."

O'Brien and Beckman both said Saturday afternoon that they have not received a reply from either the MAC or Big East on their appeal.