ACC commissioner John Swofford defended the league's officials who handled the Florida State-Florida game in a brief statement Tuesday.
While he acknowledged there were "a few missed calls," he added they affected both teams. After the Seminoles rallied for a 38-34 victory, Florida fans pelted the officials with debris as they ran off the field. "The game had an inordinate number of difficult ball-possession calls for the game officials to make," Swofford said. "Even with the aid of slow motion and various camera angles, several calls are still inconclusive as to whether they were absolutely the correct ones or not.
"Overall, although there were some arguable calls, the game was efficiently managed in a very difficult environment by a quality and experienced crew."
The ACC made no further comments, including if it disciplines the crew. Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley has said he would like to discuss bucking tradition and having a crew from another conference call the game. The visiting team's league historically has brought a crew.
FSU AD Dave Hart, however, has said he's willing to discuss anything but was against the idea a couple of years ago and his sentiment hasn't changed.
He said he is not sure if another league would part with a top crew, and he doesn't like the message it would send to SEC and ACC officials.
BOWDEN AWARD: Nebraska All-American punter Kyle Larson, Northwestern running back Jason Wright and Wheaton offensive lineman James Hoxworth are the finalists for the inaugural National Bobby Bowden Award.
The award factors in academic and athletic excellence as well as character and off-the-field accomplishments. The winner will be announced Jan. 3. CINCINNATI: Ohio State defensive coordinator Mark Dantonio was hired as coach. Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel said Dantonio will coach at the Fiesta Bowl.
- Information from other news organizations was used in this report.
