Did Ole Miss Get Some Help from the Refs on This Touchdown Against Alabama?

Ole Miss took a 24-3 lead over Alabama with a 44-yard fumble return for a touchdown by John Youngblood. The Rebels may have been aided by two missed calls by the officiating crew.

First, Marquis Haynes’ hit on Jalen Hurts could have been ruled targeting as it appears he led with the crown of the helmet above the shoulders. More egregiously, the crew assessed an unnecessary roughness penalty on Breeland Speaks for a hit on 30 yards behind the play. Youngblood was around the 10-yard line at the time of the penalty so the touchdown shouldn’t have counted.

CBS’ Gary Danielson was open in his displeasure with the errors. Alabama responded by scoring two touchdowns before halftime to reduce the deficit to seven points.