Georgia beats Alabama after controversial end-zone no-call decision

Summarised from 3 outlets · 4 reports · Updated 11 Oct, 14:13 · Archive

Georgia defeated Alabama 20-17 on Saturday with officials declining to flag an apparent pass-interference penalty in the final minutes.

Georgia defeated Alabama 20-17 on Saturday night, claiming its first regular-season victory in Tuscaloosa since 2014. The win moved the second-ranked Bulldogs towards potential claim to the No. 1 ranking in the AP Top 25 poll.

The game's conclusion proved controversial after SEC officials did not flag Georgia safety KJ Bolden for what appeared to be pass interference in the end zone with 3:28 remaining. Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell had thrown a second-down pass towards receiver Rico Scott when Bolden made contact without playing the ball. ESPN/ABC rules analyst Matt Austin said: 'I didn't have this close-up view before when I made my comments. 4 is definitely not playing the ball. Definitely gets there early. Ball hits him in the back. This definitely should have been a pass interference call.'

Russell was sacked on the next play, moving Alabama out of field-goal range, and the Crimson Tide subsequently punted without regaining possession. Gunner Stockton completed 18 of 22 passes for 249 yards for Georgia, with Dwight Phillips Jr. running for 120 yards. Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer said after the game: 'We can't put the game in that situation where the officials come into play. We just got to control the things we can control.'

How it is being reported

• Refs' crucial no call looms large over Georgia's victory over AlabamaA no-call pass interference on KJ Bolden's hit loomed large as the Georgia Bulldogs stunned the Alabama Crimson Tide 20-17 in Tuscaloosa.Fox News · 11 Oct, 14:47
• Refs' crucial no call looms large over Georgia's victory over AlabamaA no-call pass interference on KJ Bolden's hit loomed large as the Georgia Bulldogs stunned the Alabama Crimson Tide 20-17 in Tuscaloosa.Fox News · 11 Oct, 14:47
• Georgia's win over Alabama is marred by controversial no call as fans fume and claim 'refs are cheating'Georgia beat Alabama in a controversial SEC battle with fans left shocked at a missed call by officials on a crucial play in the fourth quarter of the close contest.Daily Mail Sport · 11 Oct, 14:03
• Georgia now heir-apparent to No. 1 ranking after controversial finish to win over AlabamaThe game was decided in the final minutes — and in controversial fashion.New York Post · 11 Oct, 04:59

In this story: Georgia · Alabama · KJ Bolden · Keelon Russell · Kalen DeBoer · Gunner Stockton · Tuscaloosa

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