Controversial call? Questionable catch leads to easy Pittsburgh TD on opening drive vs. Miami
Miami is down 7-0 early on vs. Pittsburgh after a controversial call near the Hurricanes’ goal line.
Facing 3rd and 11, Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett found Taysir Mack over the middle for what was ruled to be a touchdown on the field. Officials reviewed the play and determined that Mack came up short of the goal line — but said it was a completed catch.
Suffice it say, Miami fans disagreed with that decision. Mack appeared to lose control of the ball he was falling to the ground without making a football move.
Here’s video of the play:
It is what it is. pic.twitter.com/Y4ZoP5WKOQ
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) October 30, 2021
If the pass had been ruled incomplete, Pitt likely would have been forced to attempt a 41-yard field goal. Instead, running back Israel Abanikanda punched it in on the next play to give the Panthers the lead.
Here’s some of the reaction from Miami fans:
Shoutout to @Pitt_FB and @ACCFootball for changing the rules mid game on what a catch and football move is.
— Grimm (@grimm1216) October 30, 2021
i'm sure that was not a catch. but whatever.
pitt punches it in on the next play. bc of course they do.7-0 panthers and Miami's already gotten screwed by the refs.
— StateOfTheU.com (@TheStateOfTheU) October 30, 2021
Pitt gets 1yd TD Run on next play. Still don't how that wasn't incomplete pass. Miami got screwed there. Nothing New.
12 09 left in 1st
Pitt 7
Canes 0— Luis DeArmas (@LouDASwag305) October 30, 2021
Absolutely no way that was a catch
— Nick Strong 🙌🏼 (@KyCane23) October 30, 2021
No clue how that is a catch. Ball popped out as receiver hit the ground. Announcer just said a football move is “bringing the ball to your chest.” Huh?!
— Faux Sports (@FauxSports) October 30, 2021
So no need to actually catch the ball anymore just get hands on it i guess @ACCFootball your refs are blind and dumb congratulations
— 🏁The highest human act is to inspire R.I.P Nip🏁 (@hurricane2120) October 30, 2021
Pitt scores on the next play. Still not sure how that was a catch.
— Manny Navarro (@Manny_Navarro) October 30, 2021
ONCE AGAIN.. HOW IS THAT A CATCH! ACC refs continue to be the worst.. never made no football move didn't even secure the ball
— FIRE MANNY DIAZ! (@BroadDayJay) October 30, 2021
@ACCFootball just had THE WORSE call in history. That was no way a catch on this planet. Unreal.
— K2 Cane (@kennychilds36) October 30, 2021