SEC Releases Statement on Texas-Georgia Officials Controversy

AUSTIN – The SEC released an official statement Saturday following No. 5 Georgia’s 30-15 victory over the No. 1 Texas Longhorns in Austin.

“With 3:12 left to play in the third quarter of the Georgia-Texas game, Texas intercepted a pass at the Georgia 46-yard line and returned it to the Georgia 9-yard line. Texas was cited for defensive pass interference on the play which resulted in Georgia retaining the ball for a first down. The match officials met to discuss the play allowed to ensure the correct penalty was enforced. At that point, the referee called reported that he had made an error and there should not have been a foul. Therefore, Texas was awarded the ball at Georgia’s 9-yard line. Although the original evaluation and adjudication of the penalty was not properly conducted, it is not acceptable for debris to be thrown onto the field of play at any time during the game due to debris thrown onto the field of play will be determined by the Conference office with regards to sportsmanship SEC policies and procedures reviewed.”

Texas defenseman Jahdae Barron finished the game with two interceptions as a result of the overturned call. However, the Longhorns’ efforts on defense were not enough to overcome the offense’s ineptitude against Georgia’s defense.

No. 5 Texas will visit No. 25 Vanderbilt on Saturday in Nashville.