The SEC returned to play on Saturday, and the game of the day between ranked opponents in Auburn delivered some wild, controversial action at the end of the first half.
Trailing No. 8 Auburn 8-7 in the final minute of the second quarter, No. 23 Kentucky was in a golden position to take the lead, with a first-and-goal opportunity from Auburn’s 2-yard line. Kentucky running back Christopher Rodriguez Jr. took a direct snap and appeared to force his way into the endzone for the touchdown – but officials somehow marked him short, and even after a review, officials inexplicably stuck with their initial ruling on the field.
For those who missed it live: This was called not a touchdown for Kentucky. Then the refs went to review, and STILL decided it wasn't a touchdown. Not exaggerating: It's one of the worst calls I've ever seen pic.twitter.com/IGCvw119Xn
— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) September 26, 2020
Two plays later, disaster struck for the Wildcats. Quarterback Terry Wilson was picked off just inside the endzone, and Auburn’s Roger McCreary returned the ball 100 yards for a touchdown and a monumental points swing.
Brutal call for Auburn bettors 😞
A 100-yard pick 6 at the end of the half gets called back because of a targeting penalty pic.twitter.com/51TYBczbJC
— br_betting (@br_betting) September 26, 2020
That play was reviewed, however, and the touchdown was wiped off the board due to a targeting call on Derick Hall. There was no flag on the return, but officials called targeting after the review. Instead of Kentucky (rightfully) leading 14-8, or Auburn leading 15-7, the game went to half 8-7. Even the ESPN graphics department was having trouble keeping up.
The scoreboard graphic here perfectly encapsulates the final 2 mins of the half pic.twitter.com/fBF6ZRWJxX
— Todd Fuhrman (@ToddFuhrman) September 26, 2020
