JONESBORO, Ark. โ Arkansas State wide receiver Corey Rucker caught a pass from quarterback Jaylen Raynor in the corner of the end zone with three seconds left to give the Red Wolves a 34-31 season-opening victory over FCS-member Central Arkansas on Aug. 31.
The catch resulted in a lengthy review by officials, who ultimately ruled the play a touchdown despite video evidence showing Rucker losing control of the football as he hit the ground.
On Tuesday, the Sun Belt Conference issued a statement and said the play should've been ruled an incomplete pass.
"The Sun Belt Conference, upon review of the complete pass call with 3 seconds remaining in the Central Arkansas at Arkansas State football game, has announced an incorrect application of the replay review process.
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 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."
Central Arkansas held a four-point advantage over Arkansas State before the controversial seven-yard touchdown, and the Red Wolves would've had one more chance to score if the pass was ruled incomplete.
UCA returns to action against Lindenwood in St. Charles, Mo., while Arkansas State welcomes Tulsa.
Both games start at 6 p.m. on ESPN+.
