SEC Officiating Error Latest Misstep in Rough Season for CFB Referees

Another officiating error over the weekend marked the latest speed bump in what’s been a rocky season so far for college football referees.

After Oklahoma’s 24–17 victory over Auburn on Saturday, the SEC announced that the game’s officiating crew missed an illegal “hideout tactic” implemented by Oklahoma during a touchdown play in the second quarter. 

On the play, Oklahoma wide receiver Isaiah Sategna appeared to be walking toward the sideline to be subbed out of the game, but did not exit, and caught a 24-yard touchdown pass. The SEC said the score should not have counted, and the play should have resulted in a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

“Appropriate accountability will be applied without additional comment,” a statement from the SEC said. 

During the game broadcast, ESPN rules analyst Matt Austin said teams “cannot use the substitution process to deceive your opponent.” After the game, Auburn coach Hugh Freeze said coaches “were instructed all offseason about deception plays.” Oklahoma coach Brent Venables said he interpreted the play as “good and legal.”

Nationwide Problems

Earlier this month, the Big 12 punished one of its officiating crews for an error during the Week 2 Kansas–Missouri game Sept. 6. The crew allowed a punt to occur on a free kick in violation of Rule 2 Section 16 Article 6 of NCAA Football rules. They were removed from their next scheduled assignment Sept. 12.

Meanwhile, longtime ACC referee Gary Patterson terminated his contract with the conference after working the Sept. 13 Syracuse–UConn game, in which the remote ACC command center overturned a ruling on the field after a successive play had already occurred.