There's plenty of frustration when it comes to the state of officiating in college football. It's bad in the Big 12, Big Ten, SEC, ACC and, especially, the Pac-12.
Well, Iowa State athletic director Jamie Pollard is beyond fed up with the current state of affairs and decided to come out and say something about it after the Cyclones appeared to have yet another call go against them in a 37-20 road loss Saturday to Oklahoma State.
Late in the first half, Oklahoma State running back Desmond Roland was stopped short of the goal line on a run, according to the original call on the field. The officials went to the booth to review the play and overturned the decision, awarding the Cowboys a touchdown. However, it's hard to say video of the play was conclusive enough to overturn the call.
"We've been on the short end of several controversial calls and it's hard to sit idle while announcers, not debate, but feel sorry for Iowa State because maybe there will be another apology for a call," Pollard said after the game. "... I don't know how things change but it's frustrating and it's not fair."
This isn't the first time Iowa State has been involved in a controversial call made by a Big 12 crew. The conference suspended the replay official and replay communicator for one game apiece after Iowa State's loss to Kansas State earlier this season for failing to stop the game for a review of a controversial play. There was also a controversial ruling in Iowa State's loss to Texas last season.
"I felt it appropriate to stand up here right now and stand behind our team and stand behind our coaching staff," Pollard said Saturday. "I recognize that the Big 12 does not allow comments to be made on officiating. I recognize there's penalties for that, but folks, our institution has been penalized. I can think of three situations where the fine has been pretty great because we lost games because of calls that we were either apologized for or the media certainly felt we should have been. It ends careers for football coaches, (athletic directors) and presidents.
Pollard can expect a hefty fine from the Big 12 office on Monday or Tuesday, and a stern call from commissioner Bob Bowlsby.
At this point, though, can you blame Pollard for being upset?
You can follow Bryan Fischer on Twitter at @BryanDFischer.
