ESPN rules analyst silences Miami haters over 'missed' PI call in win over Ole Miss

In the middle of the Miami Hurricanes surviving against Ole Miss, the internet had a meltdown over the officiating on the final play. Down 31-27, Ole Miss threw a Hail Mary, there was contact in the end zone, and some fans insisted Miami got away with pass interference to seal it.

The ESPN rules analyst did not agree

As Ole Miss receiver De'Zhaun Stribling fought through Miami corner Ethan O'Connor on the final play, the broadcast asked ESPN officiating analyst Bill LeMonnier about the no-call. LeMonnier backed the officials and said the contact fell into the category that crews almost always allow in that situation.

"When we have mutual combat, we're going to leave that alone 99% of the time."

Bill LeMonnier

On Hail Mary plays, officials usually let bodies collide unless it's something blatant and early. O'Connor appeared to tug at Stribling's pads, and Stribling pushed back. So, with both players competing to make a play, the refs ruled no penalty.

Miami still had less calls go their way

The bigger point, though, is that if you're going to talk about the officials "helping" someone in this game, Miami didn't exactly have the advantage.

Just looking at the box score: Miami was flagged 10 times for 74 yards and Ole Miss had four penalties for 34 yards. Most of the penalties on the Canes were self-inflicted, but still, Rebels' fans — or anybody else for that matter — can't claim the (dis) advantage there.

Several of the biggest calls, including some that actually changed the game, went against the Hurricanes.

A 15-yard targeting foul on Xavier Lucas helped set up first-and-goal in the fourth quarter. Ole Miss turned it into a 21-yard field goal to take a 19-17 lead with seven minutes left.

Lucas' targeting penalty came with an ejection. LeMonnier's explanation from the broadcast mentioned that Lucas "did have a launch" and that the receiver was still defenseless going to the ground. At face value, there's nothing wrong with the call. It's pretty much according to the rulebook.

The issue though is that it came after a targeting against Ole Miss was overturned in the first quarter (and it was obviously targeting). You either call both or you don't call either. The consistency was not there, and it almost cost Miami the win.

The Hurricanes will play for the national championship on Jan. 19 at Hard Rock Stadium.