The SEC released a clarification Saturday night on the controversial overturned pass interference call in No. 5 Georgia's 30-15 win against No. 1 Texas. The office reiterated that its officials followed the correct procedure to pick up the flag and left open the possibility that Texas could be fined for fans throwing trash on the field.
Late in the third quarter, Georgia quarterback Carson Beck was picked off by Texas cornerback Jahdae Barron, who returned the interception within the Bulldogs 10-yard line. However, a flag came down penalizing Barron for pass interference despite the fact that receiver Arian Smith appeared to initiate the contact.
Many Texas fans at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium voiced their displeasure by throwing bottles and trash onto the field, causing a disruption in play. During the stoppage, the officials gathered and decided to overturn the penalty after further consideration. The play was a massive swing in the game and allowed Texas to score its second touchdown of the game, pulling Georgia's lead within one score.
Statement from @SEC regarding officiating decision in Georgia-Texas football game: https://t.co/VZoLk2kt2n pic.twitter.com/25OVL1G6Eh
— SEC Officiating (@SECOfficiating) October 20, 2024
"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 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 athletic director Chris Del Conte, university president Jay Hartzell and Kevin Eltife, the UT Board of Regents Chairman, released a statement Sunday apologizing for actions by the fans.
"While we deeply appreciate the passion and loyalty of our fan base at The University of Texas at Austin, we do not condone the unsportsmanlike conduct that was exhibited by some individuals throwing objects onto the field during last night's game and sincerely apologize to the University of Georgia players, coaches and fans, as well as the Southeastern Conference and officiating crew. This type of behavior will not be tolerated."
After the game, Georgia coach Kirby Smart was irate about the decision to overturn the call. Pass interference is not reviewable, so the only way to change the call is for the officials to convene and make the decision on their own.
"They tried to rob us, with calls, in this place," Smart said on the broadcast. "These guys are so resilient."
Ultimately, Georgia was able to put together its own touchdown drive to pull away and pick up a win over No. 1 Texas in Austin. The Bulldogs moved to 6-1 and picked up a key tiebreaker against the Longhorns heading into the stretch run.
The situation echoes a similar occurrence during Tennessee's 2021 game against Ole Miss when Vols fans famously threw trash -- including a mustard bottle -- onto the field at Neyland Stadium in protest. Tennessee was fined $250,000 for the incident, which caused a 20-minute delay. The Texas situation got under control much faster, which could help the university avoid major punishment.
Here is the full statement from the SEC Office:
"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."
