“Arizona State Football Fans Rage at Big 12 Officiating Post-Kansas Win: ‘Utter Incompetence!'”
The Arizona State football team staged a comeback to beat Kansas 35-31 with a late touchdown in their Big 12 home opener on Saturday. However, many on social media argued that the Sun Devils weren’t just up against the Jayhawks—they also had to contend with the Big 12 officials.
Criticism of the officiating was rampant online, with fans questioning two targeting penalties that led to the ejection of two crucial ASU defenders, as well as a Kansas touchdown reception that many believed should have been called an incomplete pass.
To put it mildly, fans expressed their frustration with the referees throughout the game, with chants of “ref you suck” echoing through Mountain America Stadium in Tempe.
Officiating has disproportionately crushed ASU in this game. I don’t think there is any way around it.
— Chris Karpman (@ChrisKarpman) October 6, 2024
Clayton Smith disqualified for targeting. “Ref you suck” chants in the stadium. Two of ASU’s best players are done and can’t play the first half against Utah.
Officiating has crushed ASU at home.
— Chris Karpman (@ChrisKarpman) October 6, 2024
Every single close call has gone against ASU. Both targetings, that TD catch, others. None of the calls were egregiously bad, but they were borderline and they all have gone the same way.
— Chris Jenkins (@SmartSunDevil) October 6, 2024
That’s neither targeting nor unnecessary roughness on ASU. Legal hit.
— Kent Somers (@kentsomers) October 6, 2024