Iowa defensive back Cooper DeJean runs for a would-be punt-return touchdown which was ultimately called back Lily Smith/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK

Watch: Controversial fair catch call wipes out Iowa's go-ahead punt-return TD late in loss to Minnesota

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 10/21/23

The Iowa Hawkeyes may have gotten hosed on Saturday against the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

With 90 seconds left in the fourth quarter, trailing 12-10, Iowa recorded what they believed to be the go-ahead score when Cooper DeJean dashed for a dramatic punt-return touchdown. However, officials ruled that DeJean had made an invalid fair catch call, thus reversing the score and giving Iowa possession on their 46-yard line.

THE IOWA TD IS CALLED BACK AS IT IS CALLED A FAIR CATCH! pic.twitter.com/hDN2j5zOwf
— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthew_CFB) October 21, 2023

While the ball was in the air, DeJean didn't clearly signal for a fair catch. Instead, he seems to be pointing with one hand while signaling his teammates to "get away" with the other, but the refs decided to get involved, anyway.

Three plays after the controversial call, quarterback Deacon Hill had a desperation pass on third-and-17 intercepted, ending any hopes of an Iowa comeback.

After the game, DeJean confirmed he wasn't signaling for a fair catch, adding that it was "frustrating," but that he and Iowa had to move on.

While the result may seem unfair to Iowa, they seemingly put themselves in a position for the officials to have a hand in the outcome. After taking a 10-7 lead into halftime, Iowa was outscored 9-0 in the second half, managing only two yards of total offense through the final two quarters.

However, despite Iowa's second-half struggles, it doesn't excuse sloppy officiating, especially during such a crucial game-changing play.

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