whio
The Big Ten conference issued a statement on Sunday acknowledging that game officials made a spotting error during Oregon's two-point conversion attempt late in the fourth quarter of Saturday's 17-15 loss to UCLA.
Following a 44-yard touchdown reception by Evan Stewart from quarterback Brock Thomas that narrowed the Ducks' deficit to 17-15 with 2:16 remaining, UCLA was penalized for a facemask infraction on the ensuing two-point try.
Officials placed the ball 1.5 yards from the goal line, and UCLA's defense stopped rusher Jordon Davison, denying Oregon the chance to tie the game.
According to the Big Ten, the ball should have been spotted half the distance from the line of scrimmage, which would have placed it half a yard from the goal line.
The conference's statement explained that by rule, the ball should have been spotted half-the-distance to the goal from the end of the run on the first attempt.
Oregon had one final possession with less than a minute left, but a lost fumble—one of seven turnovers by the Ducks—ended the threat.
With the 17-15 defeat, Oregon (3-2, 1-1 Big Ten) fell out of the AP Top 25 poll.
The Big Ten stated it has been in contact with its officiating crew from Saturday's game regarding the error and will continue to stress consistent application of the playing rules.
Originally reported by whio.