Texas State and Rice clashed in the First Responder Bowl, providing college football enthusiasts with some exciting post-Christmas action after a day filled with NFL and NBA games.
This matchup was significant for Texas State, marking a historic moment as the Bobcats clinched their first-ever bowl victory, defeating the Owls with a final score of 45-21.
While Texas State delivered several highlights during the game, including two pick-sixes courtesy of linebacker Brian Holloway, it was an unexpected moment involving one of the officials that stole the spotlight.
Early in the third quarter, Texas State called for a timeout, initially signaled as a 30-second break by the official. However, as the camera remained focused on the field, waiting for play to resume, the referee’s microphone unexpectedly crackled to life.
In a moment of frustration, the referee could be heard exclaiming, “Damnit!” over the loudspeaker, followed by a correction that it would indeed be a full timeout.
Wait for it…whoops. https://t.co/e3pdPIUiGA pic.twitter.com/zzls02GYJz
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 27, 2023
Despite this unfortunate error from the referee, college football fans seemed to appreciate the touch of humanity that shone through in this candid moment.
The ref every time he has to address the crowd. pic.twitter.com/HC1TF7IAWS
— Keff Ciardello (@Keff_C) December 27, 2023
This poor referee at First Responder Bowl. No idea why I’m watching 😂🥺🤪😁🏈
— Rick Noland MG/CT (@RickNoland) December 27, 2023
Someone get Conference USA ref Ed Ardito a scotch and some paid time offpic.twitter.com/94nb098OhM
— Collin Wilson (@_Collin1) December 27, 2023
Shout out to an official just having a down-to-earth conversation with you, instead of sounding like we’re going to DEFCON 2.
— Only CFB (@SamHawkins1966) December 27, 2023
After all, let’s remember that we’ve all had our fair share of tough days at work – we’re only human, after all.