MAC commissioner blasts 'unacceptable' errors by Cure Bowl refs that cost NIU

Northern Illinois was four yards away from the end zone when time ran out in the Cure Bowl, securing a 47-41 win for Coastal Carolina on Friday night. A day later, MAC commissioner Jon Steinbrecher said "unfortunate and unacceptable" officiating cost NIU one last chance to win the game.

"A series of errors by the on-field officials and the replay official denied NIU the opportunity to run one more play," Steinbrecher wrote in a statement, via Brett McMurphy of Action Network. "Following the reception along the sideline, the play should have been stopped for a review. Also, the clock was not managed appropriately on what should have been the final play as the center judge should have been allowed to clear the center before the referee wound the clock. This should not have occurred and the egregious errors around a potential game-changing situation is both unfortunate and unacceptable."

Northern Illinois faced a fourth down with seven seconds remaining in the game and converted with a quick pass to the left sideline. While it was unclear whether or not tight end Miles Joiner managed to get out of bounds on the play, officials ruled that he was tackled in bounds and did not review the play. The clock was stopped while the chains were set for a first down, but it was restarted before NIU had a chance to snap the ball for one last play.