The Mountain West Conference has released a statement on a controversial ruling by officials to award Boise State a first down with 18 seconds remaining in its 24-17 victory over Fresno State on Saturday at Albertsons Stadium.
The Bulldogs apparently had stopped Boise State short of a first down on a 3rd-and-1 play from their 38-yard line. Broncos’ coach Bryan Harsin let the game clock wind down, calling a timeout with just 18 seconds remaining.
The officials at that point conducted a measurement and ruled that the Broncos had gained the yard necessary for a first down, even though several photos of the measurement made it appear that the ball was short of a first down.