SMU coach June Jones is still unhappy about a critical holding call that went against his team in Saturday's 41-23 loss to Texas Tech.
"I would say that it was the worst call that I've ever seen," Jones told The Dallas Morning News after practice Tuesday. "Fourteen-point swing, it's too bad. I feel bad for the kids more than anything."
Jones was referring to a holding call against running back Prescott Line that nullified an SMU touchdown in the third quarter. The game was officiated by a crew from the Big 12.
On third and goal from the three, quarterback Garrett Gilbert faked a handoff to Line, then Gilbert fired a pass to Jeremiah Gaines in the end zone. Had the touchdown stood, SMU would have held a 15-13 lead pending the extra point.
But as Line plunged forward into the line, a Texas Tech defensive lineman stumbled to his knees as he tackled the smaller running back.
Line's right arm appeared to end up underneath the lineman's as both fell to the ground. That may have caused the official to think Line "hooked" the defender's arms and brought him to the ground, but the lineman was already falling when he made contact with Line.
After being penalized 10 yards, SMU failed to score on the next play and kicker Chase Hover missed a 27-yard field goal attempt.
Texas Tech then drove 80 yards for a touchdown and a 20-9 lead. SMU eventually pulled within 20-16 as the fourth quarter began, but then saw Texas Tech score three straight touchdowns.
"I'm disappointed mainly in that we couldn't change the momentum after we got that terrible call," Jones told The News. "It seems like we just didn't respond after that."
Follow Keith Whitmire on Twitter: @Keith_Whitmire
