Mike Norvell's conversation with Gary Patterson doesn't change the real problem with ACC officiating

During the first press conference of the week for Florida State, coach Mike Norvell took the stand to speak on a variety of topics. Norvell provided a few key injury updates on two players who have spent most of the season on the sideline, and the coach also provided an update on his original calls to the ACC about the controversial flag and interception in the overtime loss to Miami.

The Seminoles lost a heartbreaker against Miami in overtime during Week 7 after fighting hard against perhaps the strongest team in the country. What looked like an obvious touchdown from Duce Robinson was ruled an interception after the defender wrestled for the football, but only after a holding call erased a touchdown the play before, despite there being no hold in sight.

The true result of the game was frustration since the team had battled valiantly against a stronger opponent, only to lose the game at the hands of the referees. Norvell noted in his first press conference after the game that he had called the ACC to speak about the two calls in overtime, and then the coach provided an update today about that situation.

Norvell spoke with Gary Patterson, who is the supervisor of the officials in the ACC, and the coach stated that Patterson had dealt with the situation in a "respectful manner". Norvell may have gotten some closure on the situation for himself, but the true reality of the situation is that ACC officials have been making controversial calls all season, and one conversation likely will not change the real problems.

Florida State is just one of many victims of controversial calls in the ACC this season

While the calls against Florida State during the loss to Miami were significant, there are also other teams this season that have been on the losing end of some interesting calls in the ACC. The officiating in the conference has been getting increasingly worse, and game-changing calls seem to be made incorrectly more often as the season progresses.

Duke was one such victim with an extremely controversial roughing the passer call during the game against Georgia Tech. Tyshon Reed Jr. was flagged after making a routine hit on the quarterback, and Georgia Tech managed to score a touchdown shortly after during the same drive before winning the game, 28-25, against a stronger opponent.

Another recent victim was Boston College, when defensive back Marcus Upton was flagged for pass interference on a ball that neither player had a chance at hauling in. The receiver fell backwards into Upton before hitting the ground, and the flag was thrown, which gave Georgia Tech a fresh set of downs. Boston College limited the damage to a field goal and went on to win the game handily, but the score gave the Yellow Jackets a lead.

The officials in the ACC have struggled all season, and the loss to Miami was a culmination of frustrations due to the high-leverage situation during which the calls occurred. Norvell looked at his meeting with Patterson as a moment where he was able to offer his input on where the crews can improve, but the reality is that there have been notable mistakes in the conference all season.

The only thing Florida State can do at this moment is move forward without the blown calls in mind, as there is nothing left in the loss to Miami for the team. The ACC officials have struggled all season, and with much of the conversation between Patterson and Norvell kept confidential, it seems unlikely the ACC will own up to its mistakes this season.

Norvell may have gotten some answers he wanted, but it also does not change the fact that more controversial calls were made even after the calls in overtime during Florida State's loss to Miami went viral. The ACC never tried to clarify or speak on the events after the game, which means there will likely be no accountability moving forward.

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