Leading Pittsburgh 24-14 late in the first half, Virginia Tech was facing a third down deep in their own territory. Having a 10-point lead going into halftime would be big, and getting the ball to begin the second half would be big after the way the Pitt offense woke up after the first two drives.
However, Penn State transfer QB Ethan Grunkemeyer dropped back and threw a pass to true freshman Davion Brown, and it appeared that Brown and Pitt linebacker Camrson Lindsey simultaneously caught the ball. On the field, it was ruled an interception, and it was a big call.
Virginia Tech hosed by questionable call at the end of the first half against Pitt
Generally, when there is a simultaneous catch on the field, the call goes to the offense. Not this time. It went to review, and the call stood. ESPN rules analyst Matt Austin did not like the call, and generally, when something like this happens, the ruling is like in baseball: the tie goes to the runner; the catch usually goes to the offense.
It should be noted that the official who ruled the interception originally was coming in to spot the ball for fourth down, then was talked into a pick by the Panther defense.
That was a big game-changing call as the Panthers and quarterback Mason Heintschel connected with Cataurus Kicks for a touchdown reception that cut the deficit to 24-21 at halftime. It was a nightmare ending to the half for the Hokies as Pitt got the ball to start the second half and could take the lead after falling behind earlier in the game, 14-0.
You hate to have officials become a big part of the game, and really, it should have been fourth down and the Hokies punting. Would Pitt have driven down the field and scored before halftime? Maybe, but the field position made it too easy for an offense that is beginning to click, and that's bad news for the Hokies.
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