A questionable call by the officials helped keep the Foster Farms Bowl close Wednesday night.
Purdue led Arizona 31-28 with just under 13 minutes left in the fourth quarter and was driving inside Arizona territory. The Boilermakers made a bold decision to go for it on fourth-and-2 on the Wildcats' 38. And got it, it seemed.
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Apparently not.
Officials reviewed this and said Purdue didn’t get this first down, for some reason. https://t.co/GucIsOjDNU
— Kevin McGuire (@KevinOnCFB) December 28, 2017
The officials spotted Purdue running back Markell Jones short, and the video booth upheld the call after review. It appeared Jones fell far enough forward while inbounds to get the first down, then landed out of bounds with the ball. The officials ruled the ball went out of bounds before Jones made the line to gain.
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At least the Purdue defense stood strong and forced a punt on the ensuing drive.
Purdue fans weren't happy with the call, and everyone else watching was perplexed.
How is this not a first down? pic.twitter.com/nGYokJ9b6N
— Dr. Saturday (@YahooDrSaturday) December 28, 2017
One day I'm going to write an article about how weird the rules surrounding football sidelines are. But that Purdue spot wasn't as bad as it seemed.
— Rodger Sherman (@rodger_sherman) December 28, 2017
Too bad the officials are the deciding factor in the @FosterFarmsBowl. Even the announcers, who are clearly for Arizona, said the PI was wrongly called. Then the awful spot that was actually a 1st down for Purdue. Still proud of our team! #BoilerUp #HailPurdue @BoilerFootball
— Meg (@MegAnne) December 28, 2017
How is that spot not overturned??? WOW! Purdue got hosed on that one! #FosterFarmsBowl
— Pappy McConville (@KMcConville_9) December 28, 2017
Terrible spot and replay review in the #FosterFarmsBowl #Purdue got robbed.
— TPC Jr. (@TCash21) December 28, 2017
The review officials absolutely screwed Purdue on an OBVIOUS first down. Makes you wonder sometimes
— Caleb Brooks (@CalebBrooks22) December 28, 2017
Can some random twitter sports account explain to me how #Purdue didn’t get that first down????
— L{u)V (@NoahJohnson5220) December 28, 2017
Purdue later gave up the lead, then rallied in the final two minutes to win the game 38-35.