"Destroy these refs": CFB fans blast referees for missing holding call on Penn State during Orange Bowl

College football fans were not pleased with a controversial non-call made by officials during the 2025 Orange Bowl showdown between Notre Dame and Penn State. This CFP semifinal game will decide which team books a spot in this season's national championship game.

The controversial play took place early in the fourth quarter with Notre Dame leading 17-10. As Irish CB Christian Gray was attempting to tackle Penn State RB Kaytron Allen, his jersey was being held by WR Julian Fleming.

One fan felt that the referees should be publicly criticized and held responsible for this mistake which could cost Notre Dame the game.

"Destroy these refs. Their names are public."

Another fan joked that the officials have a bet that Penn State would win, which is why they are working in their favor.

"If you have money on the game like that ref you wouldn't have called that penalty either."

This fan stated that the officials intentionally did not make the potential holding call on Penn State.

"They didn't miss it. They just didn't want to call it."

Another fan felt that the officiating has been harsh for both teams in the Orange Bowl CFP semifinal showdown.

"Yeah, they haven't called holding either way. The officiating has been brutal the whole playoff"

This fan argued that the officials did not call several penalties by Notre Dame as well.

"They have missed several pm ND holding around the neck on the PSU rush"

One fan felt that the block by Penn State's WR Julian Fleming was not problematic.

"Cleanest block I've ever seen."

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Penn State falls short of national championship game

The Nittany Lions have not won a natty since 1986, when they secured an undefeated 12-0 campaign. And despite getting the benefit of not being called for a hold, they will have to keep waiting for a national title as they fell to Notre Dame 27-24.

After entering halftime with a 17-10 lead, Penn State was outscored 24-14 in the second half by the Irish. Nicholas Singleton scored back-to-back touchdowns in the fourth quarter to give the Nittany Lions a 24-17 lead.

But Riley Leonard found Jaden Greathouse with a 54-yard touchdown to tie the game. Mitch Jeter then hit a 41-yard field goal with seven seconds left to seal the game for the Irish.

Nevertheless, it was a successful season for James Franklin, who took over the program in 2014. He led the Nittany Lions to a 13-2 record and guided them to their first playoff appearance with the Nittany Lions. They managed to cruise in their first two playoff showdowns against SMU and Mountain West champions Boise State before falling just short against Notre Dame.