Arkansas State’s game-winning touchdown catch against Central Arkansas with three seconds left should have been upheld as incomplete on replay, and an error in the replay process ruled it a touchdown, the Sun Belt Conference announced Tuesday.

Arkansas State receiver Corey Rucker caught the pass in the final seconds while falling out of the corner of the end zone, and the play was ruled as incomplete. After review, it was ruled complete because Rucker got one foot down and maintained control. While Rucker’s foot was in, other footage showed him lose the ball after he hit the ground.

New: The Sun Belt announces Arkansas State’s game-winning TD catch with 3 seconds left against Central Arkansas should have been incomplete and the replay review process was not applied properly. pic.twitter.com/EemBIdg55m

— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) September 3, 2024

“The replay official was focused on the firm control and body part down aspects of the act of a catch and failed to evaluate the surviving the ground aspect of a catch during the review of the play in question,” the Sun Belt said in a statement. “The right end zone camera shows the receiver did not survive the ground, but this camera angle was not consulted by the replay official. The replay ruling should have confirmed the on-field call of an incomplete pass.”

Rucker admitted he was surprised they ruled the play a touchdown.“Initially I thought they were reviewing the possession because once I hit the ground and rolled over, the ball came out,” he told reporters after the game. “So, in my mind, I didn’t think it was a catch just because I thought they were reviewing the possession.”

Central Arkansas coach Nathan Brown said on his Monday radio show the Sun Belt had reached out to admit the error.

“You just wish and hope the nature and the reasoning for a replay is to get it without a shadow of a doubt,” Brown said. “No reason why it’s not a correct call is the whole point of having a replay. I thought the longer it went, the better off for the Bears because if you’re dissecting a play for what was essentially eight minutes and 36 seconds — we counted — of review time, that’s a lot of time to try and figure out if it was a catch. That was the part that in the end was a little bit frustrating.”

The Sun Belt and SEC share replay services at SEC headquarters in Birmingham and have an officiating agreement.

Arkansas State hosts Tulsa this Saturday, while Central Arkansas plays at Lindenwood.

Required reading

(Photo of Central Arkansas coach Nathan Brown : Matt Bush / USA Today)

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas faces Oklahoma State in the Razorbacks first real test of the season. Here are some key facts that face both teams.

Disparity in One Posession Games:
Since 2015, no team has won more games decided by eight or fewer points, going 34-16. The Cowboys have four more such wins than any other Division I program. Arkansas is 15-27 in one possession games in that same stretch.

Battle Up Front:
Oklahoma State leads the country in FBS offensive line starts, entering the game with 215 combined starts. Arkansas’ starting five from the first week has just 33 starts against FBS across its five offensive line starters. Sam Pittman stated that Patrick Kutas is “probably doubtful” .

Seniors Galore:
Both teams have a heavy senior presence on its rosters. Oklahoma State has 34 seniors on the roster, fourth most in college football. Arkansas has 24 seniors on its roster, including wide receiver Monte Harrison. Harrison is the seventh oldest player in college football and second oldest non-specialist at 29 years old, 1 month.

Best Quotes From the Coaches:

“If you have to go on the road, it’s a lot better to go down to Stillwater than it is to Oregon”

– Sam Pittman

“Were you able to go look and see if they were watching YouTube or actually watching plays from the game? Now these kids probably try to pull YouTube up and watch some goofy video.”

– Mike Gundy on new iPads on the sideline

Arkansas and Oklahoma State kickoff 11 a.m. Saturday from Boone-Pickens Stadium in Stillwater, Okla. The game will be broadcast on ABC.

HOGS FEED:

• Razorbacks, Pittman ready for “slobberknocker” up front

• Arkansas takes opponent to “Hawg City,” invites Vandy to take hated team there also

• Pittman gets unique perspective taking in Oklahoma State on TV

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