Following Alabama’s 52-49 loss to Tennessee on Saturday many fans took exception to the officiating throughout the game.
The Crimson Tide was penalized 17 times, a new school record, against the Volunteers. Although it has struggled with penalties on the road in the past, the game was not without its controversial calls.
The most hotly debated call came on a 4th down pass intercepted by Kool-Aid McKinstry which would have likely sealed the game for Alabama as the ball was returned deep into Tennessee territory. The play was brought all the way back due to a late pass interference call on defensive back Malachi Moore giving the Volunteers the first down, and leading to another score.
After a false start penalty makes it 4th & 6, Hooker interception negated by DPI on Malachi Moore#RollTide 49 #GBO 42 Q4 #BAMAvsTENN pic.twitter.com/mAyFCIxdhg
— Sᴘᴏʀᴛs 24/7 (@Sports_24x7_) October 15, 2022
Following the game, head coach Nick Saban shared his own thoughts on the call.
“I can’t really comment on it,” Saban said. “It’s hard to see when it’s down in the corner. I thought the guy made a good swat on the ball and we intercepted a tipped ball. And we had another on 3rd and 6, the guy had coverage on the guy.
“I think pass interference is one of the most controversial calls in college football right now, and I’ve talked about it before but just inconsistency in how it gets called. Not just on those calls but on all calls. Officials do the best they can. I’m not making any negative comments about it.”
Saban’s full press conference can be viewed below.
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