Replay reversal helps SMU upset Louisville in another ACC officiating controversy

SMU is new to the ACC, but they already have a signature upset on its resume. The unranked Mustangs took down No. 22 Louisville 34-27 on Saturday, in part thanks to a key replay reversal late in the game.

And once again, the ACC replay center in Charlotte was at the center of a crucial call in the fourth quarter one week after the Virginia Tech-Miami game came down to a review on the final play.

SMU-Louisville replay controversy

With the game tied at 27 and seven minutes left in the fourth quarter, SMU running back Brashard Smith appeared to fumble in the red zone which would've given Louisville the ball back. However, after replay review, officials overturned the call, stating that it was "clear and obvious" that Smith's shin was down before the ball came out.

SMU would go on to score the winning touchdown on the drive, thanks to an LJ Johnson one-yard rushing touchdown. That would also be the final score of the game, as Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough threw an interception on the Cardinals' final drive.

Mustangs quarterback Kevin Jennings had a huge day vs. Lousiville, throwing for 281 yards and running for 113 more and a touchdown.

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Miami-Virginia Tech game also decided on reversal

This isn't the first time the ACC replay center in Charlotte was involved in game-changing decision. Last week, No. 8 Miami defeated Virginia Tech after officials reversed a call that would've given the Hokies a win on a a Hail Mary touchdown. The play was initially ruled a touchdown, but officials declared that Hokies wide receiver Da'Quan Felton did not complete the catch.

SMU record

SMU now improves to 5-1 on the season, with the Mustangs' only loss coming to BYU. The team is also now 2-0 to begin its ACC tenure, and the Mustangs are one of only three teams still undefeated in the conference as of the end of the first college football window.

Next up, SMU travels to Stanford and Duke, but the Mustangs are not scheduled to play a ranked team again this year based on the Week 6 rankings.

Louisville record

With the loss, Louisville is now 3-2 on the year and 1-1 in conference, as the Cardinals are now on a two-game losing streak after a 3-0 start. Next week, Louisville will play Virginia on the road before hosting No. 8 Miami in a key ACC game.