Big Sky issues an apology for referee that called a 'missed' Eastern Washington field goal

The Idaho Vandals' Kibbie Dome is one of the most unique venues in college football, and on Saturday it was home to one of the biggest missed calls of the 2020-21 college football season.

Tied at 21 with more than 11 minutes left in the fourth quarter against the Vandals, Eastern Washington kicker Seth Harrison went on to kick a 24-yard field goal. The kick appeared to have gone in, except the referee under the right goalpost did not have his eyes on the ball.

"He’s not on the post when the ball is kicked. I’m not even sure he looked up, seemed like he was adjusting his mask. Wow," one commentator said.

After some time the referee signaled that the kick was no good. To make matters worse, the play went under review, and the call stood, much to the dismay of Harrison.

The Big Sky issued a statement Sunday acknowledging that the official made an error and explained the play was not reviewable because the ball went higher that the upright, and the Kibbie Dome was to blame for the mistake.

"The physical setup of the scoreboard and catwalk directly adjacent to the uprights in this endzone of the Kibbie Dome create unique conditions when determining whether a kick is a good. In light of these circumstances, the Big Sky is evaluating the mechanics of where officials are located during a field goal or extra point attempt to be positioned better to evaluate these type of plays," the statement said.

Idaho did not score on their next possession following the "missed" field goal, but scored a touchdown with less than a minute left and won the game, 28-21. The game was the season opener for both teams, and proved that things can get weirder with spring college football.

Contact Jordan Mendoza at jamendoza@usatoday.com or on Twitter @jord_mendoza.