Regards to the refs how do you throw a flag for holding and then discuss it the other refs and decide there was no holding? It is not a judgement penalty like was he in bounds or out of bounds.
What happened was the ref who threw the flag saw the hold but another official asked him if he was sure it just wasn't the defender running over the blocker?
That it was more of an illusion that the blocker was holding down the defender as he was being slammed to the ground. The ref probably said something like, "I didn't see that but it's possible. Did you have a better angle?" This other ref said yes he did so they went with his call.
This could easily be two competitive people with one having more experience or clout compared to the other. The lead official should have this shit knocked out before the game. It's definitely not idea to pick up a holding flag in the 4th quarter. Someone is going to be irate.
The announcer mentions this when he sees the replay for the first time, thinking maybe it was just the blocker being ran over, but then he sees the blockers hands pulling down the defender onto him.
The timing of this call was so typical of this season. I was asking friends when are they going to call a offensive hold on Virginia? Then finally there was one but I was already half expecting the refs to be in a circle discussing the call and sure enough that's what happened.
I didn't say anything to my celebrating friends because the thought was so quick I didn't have time. A few seconds later all of us was bitching and cursing at the TV and I was thinking I'm a jinx or something.
That's how it's been since that ND game. We fans are now anticipating BS every time the Cards have a big play.
Still, the coaches have to get their shit together and discipline this team...and themselves.
