Monday Night Football officiating controversy reminiscent of 2006 OU-Oregon debacle

Officials signal a touchdown for Seattle receiver Golden Tate, obscured, on the last play of Monday's game against the Packers. AP PHOTO

How many of you Oklahoma fans watched the Monday Night Football game between the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks and were reminded of the OU-Oregon debacle of 2006?

In case you missed the game, with the game clock ticking to 0:00, Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson heaved a Hail Mary into the endzone. Looking for the ball, receiver Golden Tate shoved Packers safety Sam Shields in an obvious offensive pass interference violation, leaped into the air along with Green Bay’s M.D. Jennings, and both clutched the ball and fell to the turf.

OU's Allen Patrick picks up a loose onside kick that was still awarded to Oregon. PHOTO BY BRYAN TERRY, THE OKLAHOMAN ARCHIVE

On Sept. 16, 2006, Oklahoma led Oregon 33-20 with just over three minutes remaining before Ducks quarterback Dennis Dixon ran in a 16-yard touchdown.

Oregon, of course, attempted an onside kick and was awarded possession after it, despite the ball clearly being touched by a Ducks player before it went 10 yards — and the fact that OU’s Allen Patrick actually recovered the kick and showed officials the football. The play was reviewed and, shockingly, the original call was upheld.