Conference official suspended following flub in Idaho State game

POCATELLO — A Big Sky Conference official has been suspended following a missed call during the Bengals’ loss at Northern Arizona Saturday.

With just over 8 minutes remaining in the second quarter of ISU’s eventual 30-26 loss to the Lumberjacks, Northern Arizona scored a touchdown to take a 9-0 lead. The ensuing extra point was initially ruled to have missed, but following an official review was overturned an ruled to have been converted.

Video evidence appears to show the kick miss wide right.

What are we doing https://t.co/WAsnvvYcI6 pic.twitter.com/eGMzqrkjSw

— ISU Jungleland Podcast (@ISUJungleland) October 19, 2024

The conference released the following statement regarding the ruling Monday:

“In conjunction with its football coordinator of officials, the Big Sky Conference staff have reviewed the point-after touchdown attempt by Northern Arizona University with 8:01 remaining in the second quarter of the game Saturday versus Idaho State University. The attempt was initially called no good on the field but after extensive review was reversed to a made extra point. It is evident that the call was incorrectly overturned and should have remained as a missed attempt. The Big Sky acknowledges and regrets this error in officiating, and as a result has suspended the official for one game.”

The game ended with Bengals quarterback Kobe Tracy throwing an interception in the endzone with one second remaining on the clock. Prior to the snap, the ball was spotted on the 19 yards line, well inside field goal range for ISU kicker Gabe Panikowski — who made a 55-yarder earlier in the game.

The Bengals (3-5, 1-3) are back in action Saturday when they host the Sacramento State Hornets.