The SEC just confirmed the suspicions about the controversial play from Tennessee’s loss to Texas
It turns out that Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian was correct.
It turns out that Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian was correct.
Sarkisian speculated after the Longhorns’ 20-17 win over Tennessee that the Vols’ onside kick with just over a minute left in the fourth quarter shouldn’t have been allowed.
Vols punter Jackson Ross executed a drop kick-style onside kick, which Tennessee recovered.
Sarkisian felt the kick was illegal because Ross stepped into the kick.
The SEC issued a statement on Monday morning that stated that the kick was illegal and should’ve resulted in a five-yard penalty for the Vols.
“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,” read the statement. “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.”
I can’t imagine the uproar had the Vols actually won the game, but fortunately for the SEC, Tennessee’s Hail Mary attempt at the buzzer fell incomplete.
