The seven overtime game between LSU and Texas A&M had plenty of debate, but part of it centered on the rule book and officiating.

Former referees Dean Blandino and Mike Pereira, now working as analysts for FOX Sports, weighed in on the college football overtime rule, and how it relates to player safety.

“I think you do because you’re talking about what turned out to be a five-hour game, and who knows how many plays there ended up (being),” Pereira said. “You heard the announcers talking about players with their hands on their knees, that they were exhausted, that they were gassed. I do think you have an issue when it comes to player safety.”

Pereira noted how the rule was changed from its original version to force teams to go for a two-point conversion after the second possession. He also suggested moving the ball back to make it more difficult to score.

“I do think, even though social media would say it’s exciting and stuff, I don’t like it from the issue of player safety,” Pereira said.

Pereira admitted he didn’t have a complete solution, but lamented after a certain period of time, it needs to just be a tie.

Blandino noted that the NFL changed its overtime period from 15 minutes to 10 minutes. He also reviewed the controversial fourth down play by Texas A&M that he said was handled correctly by the crew on the field. Blandino also touched on the last-second touchdown catch by Quartney Davis that LSU coach Ed Orgeron felt should not have counted because the clock ran out before QB Kellen Mond spiked the ball to save a second on the clock.

“It was just an unbelievable game, one we’ll be talking about for a long time,” Blandino said. “But I think overall, there was some things, there always are, but I think the officiating was unfairly criticized.”