Minnesota was not offsides on crucial onsides kick vs. Michigan, says FOX analyst

Minnesota produced plenty of moments the Golden Gophers wish they could have back in the 27-24 loss to Michigan. However, one crucial penalty late in the game should not have been called against Minnesota, according to the analysis of one individual.

After cutting Michigan’s lead to 27-24 with a dramatic touchdown from Daniel Jackson, the Golden Gophers had less than 2 minutes left to try and tie the game. The team needed an onsides kick to have a chance, and, incredibly, Minnesota originally recovered that kick with a wild bounce in Michigan’s territory.

Unfortunately, the Gophers would be flagged for offsides on the kick, forcing a re-try that the Wolverines safely recovered. But, was it truly offsides by the Gophers?

At least one rules analyst doesn’t think so:

“I don’t think he’s offside,” said FOX’s Mike Pereira, the prominent rules analyst for the network. I mean if you take a look at the high shot like the all-22 (camera angle), I don’t think he’s breaking the plane… There’s the ball kicked, is he offsides? I tell ya, it’s so technical, to me, he’s not.”

“Boy, you would love it to be something that was clear and obvious,” said Joel Klatt. “And that one looked like just a hair.”

That call was the difference in Minnesota getting a crack at a game-tying (or winning) possession with Michigan running the clock out. It will be interesting to see if PJ Fleck has a response as this is not the only time the home team has benefitted from a crucial — and questionable — call inside the Big House.