Big Ten commissioner to review Gophers' onside kick penalty against Michigan, head coach says

MINNEAPOLIS – The Big Ten is reviewing Saturday's controversial onside kick penalty that allowed Michigan secures a 27-24 win about Minnesota.

Head coach PJ Fleck said he has spoken with Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti and expects to hear from the conference Monday afternoon.

Michigan led 24-3 early in the fourth quarter, but Minnesota scored three touchdowns to get within 27-24 with 1:37 left. On the next play, the Gophers recovered the onside kick but were flagged for offside. Linebacker Matt Kingsbury was called for a penalty.

During FOX's broadcast of the game on Saturday, rules analyst Mike Pereira said he did not believe Kingsbury was offside. The piece was not reviewable and could not be challenged.

The Gophers took another shot after the penalty and Michigan rallied, running out time for the Wolverines.

“It took over sixty plays on both sides of the ball to get to the final play,” Fleck said. “Every piece tells its own story.”

He continued that one play doesn't lose a game, but he believes one play can win a game.

Fleck said the team handled Saturday's loss well, played it with class and learned from the game.

The Gophers host No. 11 USC on Saturday, Oct. 5. USC has officially joined the Big Ten Conference along with Oregon, UCLA and the University of Washington.

Kick-off is at 6:30 p.m