In a game that had the Oregon Ducks within striking distance of a comeback, the Big Ten announced Sunday that officials mis‑spotted the ball on the Ducks’ second two‑point conversion attempt. The error occurred during the Ducks’ 17‑15 loss to the UCLA Bruins on Saturday night in Eugene, Oregon.
What happened on the field
With 2:16 left in the fourth quarter, third‑string quarterback Brock Thomas connected with wide receiver Evan Stewart for a 44‑yard touchdown pass, pulling Oregon within two points. Thomas then tried to run the ball into the end zone for a two‑point conversion, but was stopped short. A facemask penalty on UCLA’s Sammy Omosigho gave Oregon a second chance.
According to the Big Ten’s rules, after a penalty the ball should be placed at the spot of the previous attempt, not half the distance to the goal from the original line of scrimmage. Instead, officials placed the ball half the distance to the goal from the original line of scrimmage, giving Oregon a more favorable position than the rule allows.
Result of the mis‑spot
Oregon running back Jordon Davison took the second conversion attempt up the middle but was stopped by UCLA defender Tyson Ford. The missed conversion left the Ducks trailing by two points, and they were unable to score again before time expired.
League response
“The Big Ten has been in contact with its officiating team from Saturday’s game regarding the error and will continue to emphasize consistent application of the playing rules,” the league said in a statement released Sunday. The conference indicated that it will review its officiating procedures to prevent similar mistakes in future contests.
Implications for the rankings
The loss had immediate repercussions in the national polls. UCLA, now 5‑0 overall and 3‑0 in the Big Ten, jumped nine spots to No. 12 in the Associated Press poll released Sunday. Oregon, which fell to a 3‑2 overall record and 1‑1 in conference play, dropped out of the Top 25 for the first time since 2022. The Ducks entered the season ranked No. 2 in the preseason poll and had been sitting at No. 13 before the defeat.
Looking ahead
Both programs will look to regroup as the Big Ten season continues. Oregon hopes to bounce back and re‑enter the rankings, while UCLA aims to maintain its upward trajectory in the poll and solidify its position as a conference contender.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
