The referees missed a critical mask penalty during a pivotal play in the fourth quarter as the Ole Miss Rebels and Georgia Bulldogs traded blows in a Sugar Bowl thriller in New Orleans.
Advertisement
On a second-and-third play, Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy made a handoff and was immediately met in the backfield by Georgia defensive lineman Joseph Jonah-Ajonye. Replays showed Jonah-Ajonye clearly grabbing and pulling Lacy by the mask, but no flag was thrown despite reactions visible from the Rebels’ bench.
The missed call proved costly. One play later, quarterback Trinidad Chambliss threw an unusual incomplete pass, forcing Ole Miss to punt rather than benefit from what would have been a 15-yard penalty and an automatic first down. Georgia took possession of the game trailing by three, with a chance to gain momentum late.
While the lack of a decision led to frustration, Ole Miss ultimately overcame the setback and held on for a 39-34 victory in a College Football Playoff classic that won’t soon be forgotten.
Advertisement