SEC officiating came under fire on multiple occasions during the 2019-20 season for their inconsistencies, especially from those who root for the University of Alabama. From missed holding calls, to Thaddeus Moss’ reestablished catch on the sideline, Alabama fans have let their opinions be known about such instances.
But what was easily the most frustrating was Auburns one second field goal before halftime in the Iron Bowl without calling a timeout before hand.
Normally a play cannot be executed with one second left on the game clock, but the Tigers were able to steal three points regardless ahead of the break.
Alabama head coach voiced his opinion on the play as well after the 48-45 loss.
“Well, they said there was one second on the clock,” Saban said to CBS during his halftime interview. “But it’s a live clock, so if (officials) chop the clock, there’s no way they can snap it and kick it in one second. If you clock the ball you’ve got to have three seconds to do it, so I don’t get it.”
Even with an explanation from the SEC, there were still many questions surrounding the play and why it was allowed to be let off.
But on Tuesday, it was announced by the NCAA that teams will no longer need to worry about a single second field goal attempt, as offenses must now have at least three seconds in order to run a play before the referee blows the play live.
“If the game clock expires at the end of a half and replay determines that there was time remaining and the clock should start on the referee’s signal after review, there must be at least three seconds remaining, when the ball should have been declared dead, to restore time to the clock.” Read the rule change.
Of course the rule change caught the attention of Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn who reacted to the amendment on Twitter.
Interesting rule change. 🤔🤔#WarEagle pic.twitter.com/zP9EtnXgOx
— Coach Gus Malzahn (@CoachGusMalzahn) April 22, 2020
There is no doubt that the Iron Bowl was instrumental in changing the laws of the game, but will likely prove to be a positive alteration because of the controversy surround the three point loss that shouldn’t have stood.
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Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77
