What, you thought we’d get through an entire weekend without some drama involving SEC officials?
With 8:25 left in the fourth quarter of a relatively tight game, Florida’s Dustin Doe intercepted a pass by Mississippi State’s Tyson Lee and returned it 23 yards to give the Gators a 28-13 lead in what would ultimately be a 29-19 win. Seeing as it involves the SEC and Florida, though, it can never be that simple.
As Doe was crossing the line into the end zone, the ball was Leon Letted by wide receiver Brandon McRae. The play was reviewed, and the ruling on the field upheld.
However -- there’s always a “however” when it comes to the SEC this season. Or a “but” -- ESPN synched up a pair of replays and did the split screen. In that view, it looked as if the ball may have come out before Doe crossed the goal line. Seeing as McRae recovered the ball in the end zone, it could’ve negated the touchdown and given MSU the ball at the 20-yard line trailing 22-13.
So, was it a bad call? Were the Bulldogs the latest to be hosed those officiating ne’er-do-wells from the SEC?
Honestly, I’m an agnostic sitting on the fence on this one. I could be convinced either way, depending on which way the wind was blowing and/or how many beers had been consumed.
In other words, there was no indisputable evidence to overturn, thus the call on the field stands and is the correct one.
Although, I get the feeling that the comments section won’t reflect that attitude so much...