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We were a bit surprised to hear this in December, rather than at the end of the season, but NCAA official Ed Hightower is resigning.
Like just about everybody, we tend to think the refs are pathetically bad and of course they favor someone else, usually Carolina (this is true for State fans too).
That's not true, of course. The officials have a completely different view of the game and tremendous responsibilities. It's a very challenging job and guys like Hightower are superbly good at what they do. Losing him anytime is a shame, but to lose a great official in the middle of a season when the rules are being interpreted so differently is a real blow. And it'll be worse in March and April.