Big Ten on Error: It’s Official

The Big Ten’s coordinator of officials acknowledged game officials erred on a key play Saturday near the end of Minnesota’s overtime loss to Purdue.

David Parry said replays showed that Gopher receiver Antoine Henderson’s left foot was inbounds in the end zone. A referee called Henderson out of bounds, negating a touchdown that, with the extra point, would have tied the score.

Instead, Purdue intercepted a pass two plays later to preserve its 35-28 victory.

Parry added that it was a judgment call made even more difficult because of the confusing color design near the edge of the end zones at the Metrodome.

“[The official] was in perfect position, was very decisive and he thought a foot hit the sideline, which is confusing at the Metrodome,” Parry said Tuesday.

Jeff Schemmel, Minnesota senior associate men’s athletic director, said the end zones will be redesigned.

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