Friday’s top 25 matchup in the Big Ten between the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Illinois Fighting Illini featured a play that simultaneously looked like a touchdown catch and an interception, leading to a debate as to what constitutes a catch.
In the second quarter, Nebraska’s highly-touted freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola threw a pass intended for star wide receiver Isaiah Neyor — which initially looked like a 36-yard touchdown catch for Neyor.
Neyor made the catch and broke the plane of the endzone. But as he went to the ground, Illinois defensive back Torrie Cox Jr. continued to wrestle for the ball, ultimately coming away with it.
It was ultimately ruled a touchdown on the field, but a replay review showed that there was a clear argument for both a completed catch and an interception.
Interception or touchdown? 👀 pic.twitter.com/axCWO1iwRa
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 21, 2024
On one hand, it could be argued that Neyor came down with the catch in the endzone with one foot down, which would seemingly end the play if it was deemed that he had control of the ball. Converseley, Cox Jr. also had a hand on the ball the entire time.
In the end, it was ruled an interception after the replay review, erasing the touchdown off the board for Nebraska and giving the ball back to Illinois to keep it a 10-10 game. And naturally, there were plenty of fans who disagreed with the call.
YOU DON’T HAVE TO POSSESS THE BALL TO SCORE A TOUCHDOWN LEARN THE RULES
— Faux Pelini (@FauxPelini) September 21, 2024
He has control in the end zone. Either a TD or incomplete
— Jaime Aguilas (@jaimeaguilas) September 21, 2024
No way that was enough to overturn to a pick
— Keyed In Wins (@KeyedInWins) September 21, 2024
Only time will tell whether this play ends up playing a big factor in the end result of this game. But if we do see Nebraska lose a close game, there will surely be plenty of Cornhuskers fans referencing this call.
