UT, Syracuse score to go unchanged

Toledo quarterback Terrance Owens (2) throws a pass a Syracuse's Marquis Spruil, left, rushes in during Saturday's game at Syracuse. The final was 33-30 in favor of Syracuse.

Mid-American Conference commissioner Jon Steinbrecher said Monday afternoon that the outcome of the University of Toledo-Syracuse game will stand, with the Rockets losing 33-30 in overtime in Syracuse last Saturday.

“Since the conclusion of the Toledo-Syracuse game, I have been in communication with Big East Commissioner, John Marinatto, along with Rogers Redding, Secretary-Rules Editor of the NCAA Football Rules Committee," said Steinbrecher in a statement. "By rule once the game is declared over the score is final and there is no recourse to reverse an outcome. (Rule 1, Section 1, Article 3, Paragraph b of the 2011 NCAA Football Rules and Interpretations.)

"I share the frustration and regret with our Toledo coaches, student-athletes, administration and supporters of the Rockets football program. Immediately following the game, Bill Carollo, Coordinator of Officials of the Midwest Football Officials Alliance (MAC, Big Ten, Missouri Valley), reviewed the play and was in contact with Big East Coordinator of Officials, Terry McAuley, and both officials agreed that the ruling on the field and replay official both failed to make the correct call.

"As disappointing as this situation is, we are confident that proper action will be taken by the Big East Conference.”

With 2:07 remaining in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s game, Syracuse kicker Ross Krautman appeared to miss an extra-point attempt that put the Orange ahead 30-27, but officials on the field ruled that the kick went through the uprights. The ensuing review from replay official Buddy Ward confirmed the ruling on the field.The extra point proved to be crucial in the Orange’s victory because Toledo drove down the field on its next possession and Ryan Casano booted a 20-yard field goal as time expired to send the game into overtime tied at 30.

UT ended up losing in the extra session after throwing an interception on its first possession, and Krautman kicked the game-winning field goal.

Had Krautman’s earlier extra-point attempt, which appeared to curl just in front of the left upright, been ruled as a miss, then Casano’s kick would have given the Rockets a one-point victory.

Shortly after the MAC released Steinbrecher's statement, UT released a statement from athletic director Mike O'Brien:

"While we are obviously disappointed for the student-athletes, coaches and fans that an officiating error played a role in the outcome of our football game at Syracuse, we accept the ruling from the Big East and the NCAA Football Rules Committee that the final outcome of the game cannot be reversed. We appreciate the efforts of those who looked into this matter. We consider the matter closed and now look forward to the remainder of the Rocket football season."