[BoomerSooner]

I'm not saying I have an answer here, but just for thought...

What value is there in asking the question of whether the clock was stopped because of an IW or because the R incorrectly ruled a backward pass to be an incomplete pass. In my opinion, since the R signaled an incomplete pass, the clock was stopped due to an incomplete pass. Even if the call is subsequently changed to an IW (more on this below), the clock was initially stopped because of the ruling of an incomplete pass.

Concerning changing the call to an IW; there are plenty of situations in which we don't get the benefit of saying we missed the initial call and thus we're changing the entire ruling. To me it is similar to the HL calling a runner down prior to a fumble but then having the BJ inform him that the ball was loose prior to the runner being down. With the exception of NCAA games with replay, we stick with the call that the runner was down. I've certainly never huddled with the crew and discussed the possibility of calling it an IW. In the OP's case, I don't think it is wise for R to initially determine it was a forward pass and then call it an IW after the fact. I realize my example isn't 100% apples to apples, but I don't think ruling an IW anytime we miss a call is a can of worms we should open.

In OP's case, I think ruling this an IW gives a significant (maybe even unfair) advantage to the offense. Given the situation, the offense benefits from the clock being stopped while the crew discusses the situation and then explains it to both coaches, and they won't even lose a down or be penalized for an IFP because they get to replay the down. While the clock would start on the RFP, the offense would be able to get a play call in while the necessary explanations are being made or even run the FG unit on the field if that was the reason for the attempt to stop the clock. The offense would be set and ready to go on the RFP eliminating the need to spike the ball legally. All of these advantages gained after the offense's attempt to circumvent a rule that is pretty clear...