Big 12 exonerates officiating crew

The Big 12 officiating supervisor said Monday he was pleased with the officiating of Oklahoma State‘s 30-27 win over Texas but did observe a few mistakes during his review of a game that has become controversial among Texas fans.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) – With his program off to its worst start in almost 60 years, Texas coach Charlie Strong has a simple message for Longhorns fans: Stay with us, this will turn around.

Texas head coach Charlie Strong, left, argues with an official during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Oklahoma State, Saturday, September 26, 2015, in Austin, Texas.

But looking big picture, it’s apparent that this team is revealing more of its long-term potential each and every game. Anderson said that penalty, while rare, is going to become more common. Unfortunately, a couple of them were missed, and we’ll correct that.

And it’s only a matter of time before we see safety Deshon Elliott, who is recovering from a toe injury sustained during fall camp.

Strong admitted after the game that he shouldn’t have gotten the call and lost his composure, but it felt understandable given the previous calls.

Strong was penalized for his use of language while arguing the call and not for any contact.

“We never like to have to flag coaches for saying things or being on the field when they shouldn’t, but that’s a point of emphasis this year by the rules committee”, Anderson said.

Anderson said officials also are told to consider context. But of the sixteen UT penalties, the 15-yard gift Strong’s unsportsmanlike penalty handed Cowboy kicker Ben Grogan was the most unnecessary, uncalled for and unacceptable. In Holgorsen’s recent press conference he said he feels comfortable with his routine heading to Norman this weekend. “We’ve just got to do a better job”. And when I watch the Longhorns, I often find myself analyzing individual performances of the players to get a better idea of what type of team Texas could be by the end of the season and the seasons to come. In eight other Big 12 games, officials called an average of 5.8 penalties against Strong’s team. But he said he didn’t think that was the case Saturday. “Those, we’ll correct that, move forward and learn from them”.