Denzel Burke Says Refs Missed "Blatant" Call in 'The Game'

Originally posted on FanNation Buckeyes Now
By Caleb Spinner | Last updated 12/27/23

Ohio State Buckeyes fans are not the only ones who still think about the November 26 loss against the then-No. 3 Michigan Wolverines.

During a press conference ahead of the Buckeyes' matchup against the No. 9 Missouri Tigers in the 2023 Goodyear Cotton Bowl, cornerback Denzel Burke recalled a crucial ruling from the officials during his team's most recent bout with the Wolverines.

Trailing 7-3 in the second quarter, Burke found himself trying to ward off a long pass from Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy to receiver Roman Wilson. Burke and Wilson jumped into the air fighting for the ball, with the duo coming back down to the turf with an almost-even share of possession.

Burke walked reporters through his thought process following the play, as he and Wilson stood up to hear the ruling from the officials. The Phoenix, Arizona native was sure the referees were going to rule in his favor and was beyond surprised when they did not.

"I'm thinking he's going to give me the pick like we got a pick in the red zone," Burke said. "And then I turn around, and I see his hands go up, and I'm like, wow."

Not only did Burke believe the officials had made the incorrect call (which ended up being confirmed by a video review), he thought the correct ruling was obvious. Even if the referees had not granted him the interception, Burke at least thought Wilson should not have been awarded the possession or the points with which it came.

"It was blatant," Burke said. "He didn't have control of the ball."