Painfully Close Replay in Alabama-Auburn Left College Football Fans Baffled

This is about as close as a call can get.

No. 8 Alabama and Auburn met on Saturday in another thrilling edition of the Iron Bowl.

Before the game's dramatic ending, a closely scrutinized play on the sideline left fans baffled, as the referees appeared to review the play only to come out with the wrong result.

The play in question came with the Crimson Tide facing third-and-10 in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Jalen Milroe connected with receiver Jermaine Burton on the sideline, and Burton slammed a foot down in an effort to stay in bounds.

It was about as close as a call can get, and while it was ruled incomplete on the field, the officials took a second look. With Alabama trailing 24–20 at the time, the success or failure of the drive was set to have huge consequences.

After a long review, the play would ultimately stand as called, but fans who had watched the replay multiple times from multiple angles seemed to agree that there was just a hint of green between Burton's foot and the sideline.

Those fans made their thoughts known on social media.

The entire TV crew including a Super Bowl referee, “that’s a catch.” The on field referee watching a 12 inch screen, “not a catch.” If we can’t get it right there is no reason for it. I am thinking about launching the “ban replay initiative.” #Alabama #Auburn #CBS #sports

— Mike Witcoskie (@CoachWit) November 25, 2023

Luckily for all the fans who believed Alabama was robbed on the play, things ended up working out for the Crimson Tide, who would go on to pull off one of the most thrilling comebacks in recent memory.