Pac-12 admits to officiating error in Arizona State-Michigan State game

The Pac-12 Conference acknowledged an error on the final play of Saturday’s 10-7 win for Arizona State over No. 18 Michigan State.

A defensive player for Arizona State took a running start before “leaping” in an attempt to block a 29-yard field goal attempt by Michigan State kicker Matt Coghlin, according to a press release by conference officials.

“In the process, the Arizona State defender leapt into the frame of the body of an opponent. The penalty would have been 15 yards from the previous spot and an automatic first down. In this case, it would have been administered as half the distance to the goal and Michigan State would have been provided one un-timed down.”

Michigan State had made a field goal to tie the game 10-10 before a 12 men on the field penalty negated the try. Coghlin’s second attempt hooked well left as time expired.

Arizona State welcomes Colorado to the desert of Tempe, Ariz. for a Pac-12 opener for both schools. The Buffs trail in the series 2-8 all-time and have never won on the road vs. the Sun Devils since 2006.