There was a similar blown pass interference call in 2003 Fiesta Bowl BCS Championship game.
Difference is that the DB was facing the ball, but similar to Rams-Saints in which the DB never saw the ball.
This time, the call was made, and Miami fans and Ohio State haters still complain to this day.
My point is, one way or another, either side is going to complain. Btw, the compliant for this play was that "the sideline judge shouldn't have called it on such an important play", which is kind of bullshit if you think about it. A penalty is a penalty whether it's on the first play of the game or the last play of the game.