OXFORD, Ohio — Miami (Ohio) was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct for displaying multiple images of uprights on a stadium video screen during an opponent’s field-goal attempt.
Ohio kicker Brack Peacock missed the attempt with 6 seconds left in the first half of the in-state Mid-American Conference rivals’ game Tuesday night with the Bobcats leading 17-7, but a flag was thrown.
The officials determined that Miami was in violation of NCAA rule 9-2-1 that says audio, video and lightning systems operators cannot create a distraction that obstructs play. The Bobcats got an automatic first down.
"We get the scoreboard penalty, which I didn't even know there was such a thing," Miami coach Chuck Martin said after the game. "It really didn't even bother me because we worry about ourselves. Last week there were some officials calls that probably cost us the game. But I'm more worried about the plays we're in control of."
After getting first-and-goal at the eight-yard line, Ohio failed to score when Magnus Haines’ pass intended for Evan Herrmann was broken up by Blane Myrick.
Miami went on to win 34-17, scoring 34 unanswered points behind true freshman quarterback Drew Bellisari.
The NFL in September sent a memo to teams about video board hijinks, after it came to light on social media that the New England Patriots had shown uprights in reverse on video screens during opposing field goal and extra-point attempts.
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