How a simple counting error gifted Colorado a controversial 1990 college football victory
In short: In a chaotic 1990 clash, Colorado defeated Missouri after officials mistakenly granted them a fifth attempt to score. This officiating blunder, occurring as time expired, fundamentally altered the national championship race. The game remains a legendary example of human error influencing the outcome of high-stakes collegiate athletics.
On October 6, 1990, the Colorado Buffaloes faced the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field. With less than a minute remaining and trailing 31–27, Colorado executed a desperate drive. Following a spike to stop the clock and a run by Eric Bieniemy, the chain crew failed to update the down marker. Distracted by a medical emergency in the stands and a lack of standardized down-tracking procedures, the officiating crew, led by J. C. Louderback, lost count.
Believing they were on third down, Colorado ran another play, followed by a spike that the team thought was third down but was actually fourth. On the subsequent play, quarterback Charles Johnson scored a touchdown to secure a 33–31 win. Despite a 20-minute consultation, officials upheld the score. The entire crew was later suspended for one week. Colorado coach Bill McCartney initially considered a forfeit but ultimately declined, citing the poor quality of the artificial turf.
The fallout significantly impacted the 1990 national title. Colorado finished 11–1–1, while Georgia Tech ended 11–0–1. The AP Poll awarded the championship to Colorado, while the Coaches Poll favored Georgia Tech. Critics argued that without the erroneous fifth down, Colorado would have finished 10–2–1, likely removing them from championship contention. The controversy persists as a defining moment in college football history, highlighting the fragility of officiating in an era before modern replay technology.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Fifth Down Game (1990)
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