One Atlantic Coast Conference official quit over how a review was handled in the Syracuse-Connecticut game two weeks ago, and the Gophers can add a gripe on how another ACC review was handled on a key play during Minnesota’s 27-14 loss to California on Saturday.
In the third quarter, Cal running back Brandon High was fighting for extra yards on a first-down rush when U safety Koi Perich and teammates started to tackle him. Perich brought High’s knee down onto Perich’s chest, while Minnesota linebacker Devon Williams punched the ball out.
Multiple Gophers defensive players reacted as if it was a loose ball, and after a scramble on the ground, Williams recovered it. But referee Nate Black immediately said High was down and signaled for second down.
One angle of the play showed the ball was out before High was down by contact.
Video: In #Gophers-Cal game, U linebacker Devon Williams forces a fumble on Bears’ Brandon High while High’s knee lands on Koi Perich’s chest. Williams recovers ball as U led 14-10.
But referee Nate Black said High was down and the ACC does not stop the game for further review. pic.twitter.com/5qQrSSCRS9
— Andy Greder (@andygreder) September 16, 2025
At the time, the Gophers held a 14-10 lead, and the turnover would have given Minnesota the ball at Cal’s 25-yard line. Instead, Cal kept possession, and on the drive, scored a touchdown and would not trail again.
An ACC spokesperson told the Pioneer Press on Tuesday that every play is reviewed, but it’s a question on whether the head referee is buzzed from the conference’s command center to take deeper look at a specific play. The spokesperson said she would attempt to respond to the Pioneer Press with further information on the process.
Coincidentally, ACC commissioner Jim Phillips attended the Cal-Minnesota game at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, Calif.
Last week, longtime ACC official Gary Patterson quit his position in frustration over how a review was handled in the Sept. 6 game in New York, according to ESPN. There was a delay in a review of a Syracuse offensive play that came after another play had been run.
An ESPN source said Patterson, who had been with the ACC since 2002, was upset at the conference’s interference to force a replay despite a subsequent play taking place. That instigated his resignation.
Last September, the Gophers’ 27-14 loss to Michigan was marred by a Minnesota special teams player being flagged for offside on an onside kick that Minnesota recovered. After a flag, the Wolverines gained possession and won in Ann Arbor.
The Big Ten later said the play was “too tight to flag” and the conference charged is officiating mechanics on onside kicks to put “multiple officials in the best position to consistently make the correct judgement.”
The Gophers are off this week before opening Big Ten play against Rutgers at 11 a.m. Sept. 27 at Huntington Bank Stadium.
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