MACtion features bizarre unsportsmanlike penalty due to scoreboard graphic
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There’s nothing like a little Tuesday night MACtion to spice up your life. When that involves a heated rivalry, like the one between the Ohio Bobcats and Miami RedHawks, things get ever better.
During the 2026 edition of the “Battle of the Bricks,” Ohio held a 17-7 lead and had a chance to kick a field goal to end the first half. The Bobcats missed the kick, but received a second chance thanks to an unsportsmanlike conduct call on, of all people, Miami’s video staff.
“There were depictions of the field goal uprights on the scoreboard,” the official said. “That is a foul for unsportsmanlike conduct against Miami.”
The penalty gave Ohio a 25-yard field goal attempt. But the Bobcats didn’t want just three points after the RedHawks’ shady move. They faked the field goal, but had a potential touchdown dropped in the end zone.
The chaotic sequence ended up being a big turning point in the game. Miami, who trailed 17-0, rallied for 34 unanswered points — 20 of which came in the fourth quarter — to defend home turf and win 34-17. Half the RedHawks’ points came in the final 3:55 of regulation.
As Scott Van Pelt would say, the RedHawks’ late scoring barrage may have been “significant to some.” Miami, who clinched bowl eligibility with the win, faces Kent State next Tuesday night (7:00 p.m. ET, ESPNU).
