This has not been a good college football season for the Pelini family.
Nebraska coach Bo Pelini lost his temper at an official on Friday during the Cornhuskers' 38-17 loss to Iowa.
The 'Huskers trailed 14-10 early in the third quarter when Iowa faced a second-and-12 at the Nebraska 42. Iowa quarterback Jake Rudock threw a ball well of the head of his intended target, which would have led to third down.
But as the ball was sailing past, Nebraska's Zaire Anderson grabbed hold of the receiver, and the officials threw a penalty flag, indicating pass interference on Anderson and giving the Hawkeyes an automatic first down at the Cornhuskers 30.
The call appeared to be a bad one; the Nebraska receiver had no chance to catch the football, but the penalty was thrown and upheld. Deadspin.com has a shot of the video.
An irate Pelini started shouting at a nearby official. He kept after the official and went on the field after him. As the official was talking and starting to back away toward the sideline, Pelini, who had his white Nebraska hat in his left hand, swung it at the official.
The swing wasn't close to touching the official, but it was enough to make him flinch. Pelini drew a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, and Iowa got the ball at the Nebraska 15. The Hawkeyes eventually settled for a field goal and a 17-10 lead.
More punishment could be on the way if the Big Ten reviews the matter.
The Huskers dropped to 8-4 and 5-3 in the Legends Division of the Big Ten. The season will go down as another one that failed to meet expectations at such a storied program, and calls for Pelini to be fired are expected to increase.
Almost a month ago, Bo's brother Carl resigned as coach at Florida Atlantic after he admitted to illegal drug use. Earlier this week, FAU's interim president accepted Carl Pelini's withdrawal of resignation and fired him for cause instead.
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