The recent Syracuse vs. UConn football game has kicked up quite a storm. It’s even led to the resignation of a longtime ACC official.
Late in the first half, a replay review was handled so poorly that it left head referee Gary Patterson frustrated enough to quit. Let’s try to untangle what actually happened, what it means for ACC officiating, and how replay reviews are really working out for college football these days.
Background of the Incident
On September 12, 2025, Syracuse and UConn faced off in a game that’s gotten a lot more attention than anyone expected. There was 1:02 left in the first half, UConn up 14-3, and Syracuse quarterback Steve Angeli’s pass was ruled incomplete after his arm got hit.
Syracuse hurried to the line for second down and threw another incomplete pass. Then, out of nowhere, officials announced that replay had buzzed in before the second-down snap. They said they’d have to review the first-down play.
The Sequence of Events
People were confused. There wasn’t any clear sign that the replay booth had buzzed in before the next play.
The delay dragged on. Patterson was seen talking with the ACC’s command center. The review didn’t change anything—the call of incomplete pass stood. Still, the whole process looked messy.
- First Down: Angeli’s arm is hit, and the pass falls incomplete.
- Second Down: Syracuse snaps it fast, nearly tossing a pick.
- Replay Review: Officials say replay buzzed in before the second snap, so they go back and review the first-down play.
Gary Patterson’s Resignation
After the game, Gary Patterson—an ACC official since 2002—just walked away. Sources say he was fed up with the ACC’s command center forcing a replay after the next play had already happened.
The ACC confirmed Patterson’s resignation. They said they’ve already shuffled officiating crews so the season won’t be disrupted.
Expert Opinions
ESPN rules expert Bill LeMonnier chimed in, calling the sequence pretty unusual for a replay review. He pointed out that the real mistakes came from either the replay booth or the command center, not the guys on the field.
LeMonnier also noticed a flag for a high hit on Angeli that got ignored, even though the rules say a personal foul should count—even when the play’s dead.
Implications for ACC Officiating
This whole thing has people asking about the ACC command center’s role in making calls. Two sources with inside knowledge said the command center told officials to review the play.
That’s got folks worried about how much power the command center has and whether the replay process is as transparent as it should be.
Future of Replay Reviews
For some games this season, the ACC’s tried to be more open by allowing cameras and audio in the review process. That way, fans and coaches can see and hear how decisions get made between on-field and command center officials.
Unfortunately, the Syracuse vs. UConn game didn’t have that coverage. This mess just makes it clearer that college football needs more transparency and consistency in replay reviews. Otherwise, how can anyone trust the process?
Conclusion
Gary Patterson’s resignation after the messy replay review in the Syracuse vs. UConn game has really put the ACC’s officiating under the microscope. People are now questioning the command center’s role and how transparent these replay reviews actually are.
There’s a growing sense that the league needs to get more consistent with its officiating. Frankly, it’s hard to trust the process when things like this happen.
If you want to dig deeper into what’s unfolding, check out ESPN’s coverage.
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