SEC issues statement on controversial DPI reversal, Texas fans throwing objects
from Austen Bundy, with YardBarker.com/www.yardbarker.com
Despite No. 5 Georgia’s massive 30-15 upset over No. 1 Texas on Saturday night, a controversial moment that broke in favor of the Longhorns remains a talking point.
Early in the second half, Texas intercepted Georgia quarterback Carson Beck but the momentum-shifting play was negated due to a pass interference penalty.
Texas fans threw objects onto the field in displeasure, causing a brief delay in which the officials huddled and suddenly reversed the interference call.
ESPN
@espn
Texas fans threw debris onto the field after an interception was called back due to pass interference.
The refs reversed the call after further discussion.
The SEC released a statement on the matter Sunday.
“While the original evaluation and assessment of the penalty was not properly executed, it is unacceptable to have debris thrown on the field at any time,” the statement read in part.
The conference also said the trash-throwing by Texas fans would be “reviewed” under “sportsmanship policies and procedures.”
Chris Vannini
@ChrisVannini
SEC statement on the reversed PI and garbage delay:
With 3:12 to play in the third quarter of the Georgia at Texas game, Texas intercepted a pass at the Texas 46-yard line and returned it to the Texas 9 yard line. Texas was flagged for committing defensive pass interference on the play which resulted in Georgia maintaining the ball with a first down.
The game officials gathered to discuss the play, which is permitted to ensure the proper penalty is enforced, at which time the calling official reported that he erred, and a foul should not have been called for defensive pass interference. Consequently, Texas was awarded the ball at the Texas 9 yard line.
While the original evaluation and assessment of the penalty was not properly executed, it is unacceptable to have debris thrown on the field at any time.
The disruption of the game due to debris being thrown onto the field will be reviewed by the Conference office related to SEC sportsmanship policies and procedures.
Texas scored a touchdown on the possession following the interception and penalty reversal, narrowing Georgia’s lead to 23-15.
However, it wouldn’t be enough to tilt the field entirely as the Bulldogs would extend its lead back to two scores and finish off the Longhorns in Austin.
The 30-15 loss is the largest at home by an AP No. 1 ranked team since 1982 (Notre Dame def. Pittsburgh 31-16) and tied for the fourth largest all-time.