Big 12 Conference officials demonstrated stunning incompetence today, gifting Oklahoma State a first down that ultimately resulted in a touchdown. A very important touchdown, given that the Cowboys eventually defeated K-State, 36-34.

K-State scored its fourth touchdown with a little less than five minutes remaining in the first half. At the time, the Wildcats led, 28-13. After a poor kickoff return, Oklahoma State had the ball back on its own 17-yard line with 4:30 remaining in the half.

After a couple first downs, the Cowboys had first and 10 from the K-State 44-yard line with 2:59 remaining. The line to gain is the K-State 34-yard line.

First down and 10: Mason Rudolph hits a long completion, but a holding call wipes it out. Now it's first down and 20 to go from the OSU 46-yard line.

First down and 20: Rudolph is sacked by Marquel Bryant. Loss of seven yards to the OSU 37-yard line.

Second down and 27: Rudolph completes a short pass for four yards. It's third down and 23 from the OSU 41-yard line. TV shows it closer to the 42-yard line.

Third down and 23: Rudolph completes a pass down the left sideline to the K-State 38-yard line.

At this point, it should be fourth down and four yards to go.

The line to gain was the K-State 34-yard line.

The third down play gained the K-State 38-yard line.

Here is video in case you're interested.

Instead, the officials awarded the Pokes a first down. Four plays later, the Cowboys scored a touchdown to make the score 28-20.

Think that touchdown may have been important in a game that ended in a 36-34 win for Oklahoma State?

K-State fell all over itself to apologize for a stupid band formation. John Currie and Kirk Schluz better demand an explanation and investigation by the Big 12.

I wish I expected the Big 12 to actually give a damn in any event.

Thanks to BOTC reader icfkaa for the screen captures.