Refs gift Alabama a touchdown, screw Tennessee with bogus pass interference call

Oct 15, 2022; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel during the first quarter against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

The Alabama Crimson Tide looked like they were pushing themselves out of touchdown range. Then, the referees granted them a new set of downs after a controversial pass interference penalty.

One of the biggest games of Week 7 was between the No. 3 Alabama Crimson Tide and No. 6 Tennessee Volunteers. Tennessee actually gave themselves a huge lead in the first half, but as we have learned in the past, you can never count out Alabama.

Down 34-28, Alabama worked their way downfield into scoring range. However, they were apparently headed for a stall-out. They had to call a timeout, a touchdown was wiped out due to a holding penalty, and they received a delay of game. But facing a long third and goal, an incomplete pass by quarterback Bryce Young was very consequential.

Tennessee defensive back De’Shawn Rucker was called for pass interference in the end zone, giving the Crimson Tide a new set out downs on the two yard line

Bryce Young or Houdini? 😅 pic.twitter.com/ZE8rMOnoAZ

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 15, 2022

It was a very questionable call, considering the back-and-forth Rucker had with Alabama wide receiver Ja’Corey Brooks. The call was consequential, as the Crimson Tide took the 35-34 lead one play later on a touchdown run by Jahmyr Gibbs.

With that touchdown, that was Alabama's fifth consecutive offensive drive where they put points on the board. That streak reached its end the following drive, where they had to punt the football back to the Volunteers after three plays.

Oh, and after the Crimson Tide punted the ball away, the Volunteers took a 42-35 drive immediately afterwards on a 78-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Hendon Hooker to wide receiver Jalin Hyatt.

Regardless of the penalty, this will go down as one of the most exhilarating games of the college football season.

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