SEC releases statement on Tennessee’s ‘incorrectly officiated’ onside kick

On Monday morning, the SEC confirmed that the Texas Longhorns avoided the worst possible fate in sports — losing because of incompetent officiating.

At Neyland Stadium on Saturday, the Tennessee Volunteers had an opportunity to tie to take the lead late after a executing a successful onside kick with 1:22 remaining that went through the hands of Texas wide receiver Ryan Wingo and was recovered by the home team.

The conference’s statement confirmed that former official and rules analyst Terry McAulay was right about the kick being illegal.

“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,” the statement said.

“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 statement continued.

“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.”

In Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian’s post-game interview, Sarkisian asked for a ruling on the onside kick’s legality after displaying an understanding of the rules on the field in real time that may have contributed to the flag thrown on the play that was ultimately picked up.

During Sarkisian’s Monday press conference, he didn’t have much to add to the conference’s statement.

“I’ve addressed it with the Southeastern Conference,” Sarkisian said. “I’ve addressed it with John McDade, the head of our officials, they’ve addressed the issue, so I don’t think there’s much more to say on that.”

Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel pushed back on the SEC’s ruling during his Monday availability, claiming that other conference teams have run that kick and that the Volunteers communicated with officials about it prior to the game.

It’s not the first time members of that officiating crew have made a high-profile mistake — according to Football Scoop, three members were involved in the Oklahoma-Auburn game that included the Sooners running an illegal “hideout play” with a prohibited simulated substitution. The OU staff claimed that the officiating crew confirmed that wide receiver Isaiah Sategna was legally aligned.

This story has been updated.