Late in their game against Nebraska, the Arizona State Sun Devils were looking for any break they could get.

Already down 48-10, they finally got one from an unlikely source, the officials, in the form of an extra down. Unfortunately for them it didn't help.

The gift giving started on the Sun Devils' final drive of the game. Arizona State was moving the ball well and, with the aid of a personal foul face mask penalty, had the ball first-and-ten at the Nebraska 14 yard line with 1:34 left.

That's where the "trouble" began.

1st down - Quarterback Andy Goodenough overthrows receiver Daryl Lightfoot in the corner of the end zone.

2nd down - Running back Cornell Canidate runs up the middle for no gain.

Arizona State called time out at this point. The confusion seemed to pop up here. As the Sun Devils approach the ball following the time out, head referee Jack Wood of the Mountain West Conference whistles for an official's time out. After conferring with his fellow officials he is seen indicating to the side judges (incorrectly) that it is now second down.

3rd down - Goodenough is chased out of the pocket and throws the ball out of bounds to avoid a sack.

4th down - Once more Goodenough passes to the corner of the end zone. This time there are no Sun Devil receivers there, only Husker defensive back Fabian Washington who is unable to haul in the interception.

5th down - Goodenough passes short to Dark Hagan who catches it for a one yard gain.

Granted the extra play didn't have the same impact as the time officials erroneously gave Colorado an extra down against Missouri in 1991. That free play lead to a game winning touchdown.

Nonetheless, in a sport known for it's wild occurrences, any advantage can change the course of a game, or a season.