ACC ref quits in frustration after bizarre replay review in UConn-Syracuse

One of the oddest moments of college football's Week 2 has resulted in a veteran official turning in his whistle.

Gary Patterson, who has worked as an official with the ACC since 2002, terminated his contract with the conference after last weekend's UConn-Syracuse game, according to conference broadcast partner ESPN. At issue was a highly awkward replay review in the final minute of the first half.

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The sequence that caused Patterson (no relation to the former TCU head coach) to quit in frustration began when Syracuse quarterback Steve Angeli had his arm hit on a pass play that began with 1:02 left in the second quarter. The wobbly pass traveled about 9 yards before falling incomplete, with officials signaling the play dead.

The next play began without incident and saw Angeli get hit as he threw a pass that would have likely been intercepted had two UConn defenders not collided with each other. Play was then stopped, with a flag in the backfield.

Patterson, serving as head referee, stood in the backfield and quietly spoke with the replay official for a full minute before announcing that "replay had buzzed in prior to the snap on the previous play," which was under review for a potential fumble by Angeli. The play was then upheld, with the following play completely negated.

The teams, fans and broadcasters all seemed befuddled, and now we know Patterson wasn't very happy either. You can see it all play out here:

Patterson was reportedly upset at the ACC's interference in forcing a replay after the next play was already over, leading to his resignation.

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That turn of events ended up having a significant impact on the game. Instead of facing 3rd-and-10, Syracuse had 2nd-and-10. Their next play gained 5 yards, then they got 24 yards on third down to enter UConn territory. The Orange finished the drive with a field goal to cut the Huskies' lead to 14-6.

Syrcause ended up winning 27-20 in a game that went to overtime.

Per ESPN, an ACC spokesperson conceded that the timing of the replay officials buzzing was not ideal and said the handling of the sequence was being handled internally. The conference also reportedly said it has made adjustments so that there will be no disruption to this week's games. Patterson was previously scheduled to ref the Pitt-West Virginia game.

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