Pac-10 Clears Officials

The officiating crew that ruled Washington State quarterback Matt Kegel threw a backward pass on the final play of the Cougars’ triple-overtime upset loss against Washington on Saturday made the correct call, Pacific 10 Conference Commissioner Tom Hansen said Tuesday.

Verle Sorgen, the conference’s coordinator of officials, reviewed replays of the controversial call taped by Fox Sports Net and Washington State. Sorgen told Hansen that the best angle, supplied by Fox, showed Kegel releasing the ball from the Washington 27-yard line toward a receiver standing on the 28.

Members of the crew, headed by Gordon Riese, will not be downgraded for their performance and they remain in position to be selected for involvement in a bowl game.

“It appeared to be the proper call,” Hansen said. “It’s a judgment call and the official who called it [line judge Roger McMinn] was in proper position.”

Kegel’s pass was deflected by Kai Ellis and the Huskies recovered the loose ball, clinching a 29-26 Apple Cup victory that deprived Washington State of any chance to play in the bowl championship series title game. If UCLA beats the Cougars on Dec. 7, USC will be awarded a Rose Bowl berth.

-- Lance Pugmire

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