JONESBORO, Ark. β In a dramatic season opener on August 31, Arkansas State’s Corey Rucker caught a game-winning touchdown pass from quarterback Jaylen Raynor with just three seconds left, giving the Red Wolves a 34-31 victory over Central Arkansas. However, the play has since been surrounded by controversy.
The touchdown reception, which took place in the corner of the end zone, was subject to a lengthy review by officials. Despite video evidence suggesting that Rucker lost control of the ball as he landed, the officials upheld the call on the field, ruling it a touchdown.
On Tuesday, the Sun Belt Conference acknowledged an error in the replay review process. The conference released a statement indicating that the play should have been ruled an incomplete pass. According to the statement, the replay official failed to properly assess the crucial “surviving the ground” element of the catch. The right end zone camera footage, which was not reviewed, clearly showed that Rucker did not maintain control of the ball after hitting the ground.
βThe Sun Belt Conference, upon review of the complete pass call with 3 seconds remaining in the Central Arkansas at Arkansas State football game, has announced an incorrect application of the replay review process,β the statement read. βThe replay official was focused on the firm control and body part down aspects of the act of a catch and failed to evaluate the surviving the ground aspect of a catch during the review of the play in question. The replay ruling should have confirmed the on-field call of an incomplete pass.β
The controversial touchdown allowed Arkansas State to overcome a four-point deficit. Had the pass been ruled incomplete, Central Arkansas would have retained possession with an opportunity to secure the win.
Central Arkansas will look to rebound as they face Lindenwood in St. Charles, Mo., while Arkansas State will host Tulsa. Both games are scheduled to kick off at 6 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN+.
