SEC officials make big mistake during Alabama vs. Ole Miss game

The brass at the SEC will have a look at this blunder on Monday morning after it appears Alabama had another shot at a touchdown

This weekend brought us one of the most blatant officiating errors of recent memory as SEC officials appeared to make a major mistake during the third quarter of the Alabama vs. Ole Miss football game on Saturday. And it appears to have cost the Crimson Tide a shot at a possible touchdown.

Alabama was down 7-6 and driving in the red zone when tailback Roydell Williams appeared to run for a first down. However, the official did not move the down marker and chains before the next snap, and the Alabama offense considered the next play a 3rd & inches rather than a 1st & 10.

Refs mistakenly take away a down from Alabama. Alabama kicks a field goal when they should’ve had another play. #olemiss #alabamafootball pic.twitter.com/sg02SDCdy7

— Rate the Refs App (@Rate_the_Refs) September 23, 2023

Two snaps later, Alabama's drive appeared to stall resulting in a field goal attempt for place kicker Will Reichard, whose 23-yarder gave the Tide a 10-7 lead over the Rebels.

We'll never know what Alabama's play-callers would have done in the situation had they known they were dealing with a first down instead of a third down, but it's a given that it likely would not have been the QB sneak they did call for Jalen Milroe.

Those watching the game likely would have noticed the visible confusion between the officials on the far sideline at the time of the mishap. Ultimately, the mistake didn't cost Alabama, which defeated Ole Miss, 24-10, and moved to 3-1 on the season.

Now, we wait for word from the SEC office to see if the issue will be addressed.

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