Sports

ACC Admitted to Miami's AD Officials Made Multiple Errors Prior to Game-Winning Kick Return

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The ACC publicly admitted its officials missed multiple calls during Miami's miraculous game-winning kick return against Duke, and apparently admitted to more privately.

According to The Associated Press, Miami Athletic Director Blake James issued a letter to football season ticket holders on Thursday in which he indicated the ACC admitted officials incorrectly called penalties against the Hurricanes.

During Duke's final drive, Miami was called for three pass interference penalties, including one on an interception that would have ended the game and given Miami the win. James indicated the ACC found multiple incorrect calls throughout the game, one of which was a pass interference call during Duke's go-ahead drive, though he did not disclose which penalty it was.

"Rest assured, beginning just hours after our victory, the University was forceful yet respectful in our approach," James wrote. "Earlier today we sent a formal letter to the conference office, summarizing and reiterating our concerns, and now consider this matter closed.

"Per ACC policy our football staff submitted the plays we believed were incorrectly called as a matter of weekly protocol, and were notified by the league that multiple incorrect calls impacting our team occurred during the game, including a pass interference call on the final drive."

After taking the lead, Duke kicked off to Miami with six seconds remaining in the game. Miami's return team then completed eight laterals en route to a game-winning touchdown return. However, the ACC determined on-field and replay officials should have ruled a Miami player down on one lateral in particular and then missed two block in the back penalties.

Regardless, the downed player would have stopped the return and ended the game. The ACC suspended the officiating crew for two conference games for their errors.

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