Houston Sports: Three absolute worst officiating calls in history

What if Mike Renfro’s touchdown had not been overruled?

Our first controversial what if takes us back to 1980. It’s the rematch of the 1979 AFC Title game between the Houston Oilers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Houston is trying to avenge last season’s 34-5 thrashing to the defending Super Bowl Champs and early on, they show promise and keep the game close.

In the third quarter, the Oilers are down 17-10. But they are driving to a game-tying score. On third-and-goal, the Oilers call a slant route from Dan Pastorini to Mike Renfro. All goes well until this happens.

The bad part was that there was no instant replay to look at by the officiating crew. So they just assumed that Renfro did not have two feet in. Instead of the score being 17-17, the Oilers are forced to kick a field goal to make it 17-13. This changes the game as the Steelers score twice to win 27-13.

Now, what if Renfro’s catch had stood? The Steelers could care less.

Well, here’s the way I see it:

My Ruling

The Oilers find a way to win the game in Pittsburgh with a late field goal and go on to the Super Bowl. The Los Angeles Rams are no match for the Oilers, who clobber them 34-13. Earl Campbell is named Super Bowl MVP and Dan Pastorini does not get traded to the Oakland Raiders for Ken Stabler.

Just for keeps, the Oilers go back to the Super Bowl in 1980 and beat the Philadelphia Eagles 29-20 with Campbell earning his second MVP title. Oh and most importantly…

THE OILERS NEVER LEAVE HOUSTON!

Well, that eliminates one major what if.

Here comes another one Houston Sports fans…