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CFB Fans Baffled After Controversial Texas DPI Penalty Overturned By Refs vs. Georgia

Zach Bachar

Fans were confused following a controversial defensive pass interference ruling during No. 1 Texas' matchup with No. 5 Georgia on Saturday.

Near the end of the third quarter, Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck threw a pass that was picked off by Longhorns defensive back Jahdae Barron. However, Barron was flagged on the play.

Texas fans threw bottles and other trash onto the field to protest the call, resulting in a delay as head coach Steve Sarkisian attempted to calm down the crowd. Officials determined that there was no penalty on the play when the game resumed, though. Texas retained the ball.

Fans and pundits on social media were perplexed by the situation.

Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart was visibly frustrated with officials on the sideline after the penalty was reversed.

The game was already eventful prior to the controversy, as Georgia jumped out to an early 23-0 lead in the first half. Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers was briefly replaced by backup Arch Manning due to a slow start on offense, although Ewers was inserted back into the game after halftime.

Texas scored on its first drive of the third quarter and capitalized on Beck's interception, as Jaydon Blue hauled in a 17-yard receiving touchdown to cut the deficit to 23-15.

The Longhorns entered the game with a 6-0 record to begin the season, which included impressive wins over Michigan and Oklahoma.

As for the Bulldogs, they opened the year ranked No. 1 in the first Associated Press Top 25 poll and won each of their first three games. However, they were eventually knocked out of the top spot following a narrow 41-34 loss to No. 7 Alabama on Sept. 28. Smart's team has won two consecutive games following the defeat.

With both teams searching for a statement win, a major possession change was decided following an extended period in between plays due to debris thrown onto Campbell-Williams Field.

   

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