Kirk Ferentz expresses frustration about replay system that ‘doesn’t make sense’ after Iowa’s 26-0 loss to Michigan

INDIANAPOLIS — Deacon Hill knew to “get ready for the next drive.”

He had what initially appeared to be an incomplete pass before the replay official overturned the call and ruled it a fumble recovered by Michigan.

“I thought it was a dead play,” Hill said. “But whatever.”

After there were no more next plays or next drives to think about, Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz expressed his frustration about a replay system that “doesn’t make sense” in his postgame news conference.

“I’m really struggling with our replay system,” Ferentz said.

The current system gives the replay official in the press box the authority to make the call while a replay center in Pittsburgh can advise.

Ferentz’s preferred solution would be to give the officiating crew on the field the “full ability to make the decision.”

“I feel bad for the officials on the field because they’re the ones that have to explain to us a decision that gets made somewhere else,” Ferentz said. “It doesn’t make sense.”

This is not a new source of frustration for Ferentz. It initially stemmed from the invalid fair catch call that wiped out a potential go-ahead Cooper DeJean punt return for a touchdown against Minnesota on Oct. 21.

“However many weeks after that is, I’m still struggling on that one,” Ferentz said. “Can’t accept it.”

Asked after the Nov. 24 win over Nebraska about winning 10 games, Ferentz pivoted to how Iowa “got screwed” in the Minnesota loss by the replay system.

“I don’t ever play that card, but I’m playing that right now,” Ferentz said after the Nebraska game. “That’s still the most ridiculous thing I’ve seen in the last, what is it, quarter-century. Take that replay stuff and blow it up.”

As for Hill’s call in particular, Ferentz said Saturday night he was told Hill’s “arm was going forward, but the hand wasn’t.”

“I’m not sure if that’s possible mechanically,” Ferentz said. “I was an English major.”

As an English major, he also understands the rule book (and the fines that come with criticizing officials).

“I’ve made it the last two months without getting fined,” Ferentz said as he began his replay review tirade. “I’ll try again.”

While Ferentz described the Hill fumble as a “big play in the game,” a quick glance at the stat sheet shows it was far from the only culprit for the Hawkeyes’ 26-0 shutout loss to Michigan.

Iowa gave up three turnovers offensively and did not force any turnovers defensively. The Brian Ferentz-led offense had only 155 total yards and averaged a mere 1.5 yards per rushing attempt.

“We just didn’t execute our game plan well enough tonight,” Hill said.

Comments: john.steppe@thegazette.com