SEC Admits Late Officiating Error In Texas-Tennessee Game

The SEC admitted Monday that officials made an error on Tennessee’s late onside kick against Texas on Saturday.

The play came with 1:22 remaining in the game, and the conference said Tennessee should have been penalized five yards and forced to replay the kick.

According to the SEC, there were multiple issues with the play, including where the ball was kicked from and the kicker’s movement after the ball was ready for play.

The conference released the following statement explaining the mistake:

quote:

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The onside kick with 1:22 to play in the Texas at Tennessee football game on Saturday was incorrectly officiated and should have resulted in a five-yard penalty on Tennessee and a replay of the down.

A drop kick is permissible, but a free kick must be made from the kicking team's restraining line which is the 35-yard line on a kickoff, unless relocated by penalty. The ball was at least one yard behind the 35-yard line when it was kicked.

In addition, after the ball is ready for play the kicker may not change his lateral position between the hash marks. That spot can change only after a charged timeout or on a subsequent kick. The kicker's movement after the ready signal violated the rule.

The correct enforcement is a five-yard penalty and a replay of the down. The Southeastern Conference regrets the error and will continue working with the Secretary/Editor for NCAA Football Rules and officials to ensure consistent application of free-kick rules.

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