The Georgia Bulldogs were subject to an unlucky change of events late in the third quarter with a pass interference penalty. Georgia wide receiver Arian Smith initiated contact with Texas Longhorns defensive back Jahdae Barron, who intercepted Georgia quarterback Carson Beck.
Initially, the officiating crew called Barron for defensive pass interference. After the call, the game had a lengthy delay because Texas fans threw bottles and trash on the field.
During the delay, the officials huddled and discussed the call. Ultimately, the officials elected to reverse the pass interference penalty against Texas, so the interception stood.
The controversial decision merited immediate criticism. Georgia head coach Kirby Smart could not believe the officials when they announced the change. The officials rewarded Texas fans for throwing trash on the field, which prevented Georgia from running another play. Remember, penalties are not reviewable plays.
“They tried to rob us of calls,” said Kirby Smart after Georgia’s 30-15 win over Texas.
The optics of the overturned penalty are awful. Fans are now more likely to throw trash on the field after controversial plays because that behavior has been rewarded.
“The problem with that is every student section in America saw that, no penalty on them for throwing objects on the field and it bought their team time. Goodness,” said college football expert Rusty Mansell.
Here’s a look at the controversial penalty reversal!
There’s no doubt the SEC will fine Texas following the game, but it may be too little, too late.
