Photo via Yahoo Sports

“Shocked”: ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit Gives Blunt Take on Alabama Officiating Controversy After Kalen DeBoer Voices Frustration

Alabama’s season-opening loss to Georgia (17–20) has reignited scrutiny over a controversial officiating call in the final minutes. With the Crimson Tide trailing by three and time winding down, quarterback Keelon Russell targeted Rico Scott on second-and-10 from the Georgia 34-yard line.

Defensive back KJ Bolden made contact with Scott before the pass arrived, yet no pass-interference flag was thrown—despite the play appearing clear-cut. The no-call derailed Alabama’s late-game momentum, as Russell was sacked on the next play for a nine-yard loss, setting up a fourth-and-19 that forced a punt and sealed the Bulldogs’ victory.

Head coach Kalen DeBoer expressed frustration postgame, noting the officials never explained their decision, leaving Alabama’s coaching staff without answers. ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit joined the criticism, calling the call ‘shocking’ and questioning how the play could go unpenalized, given Bolden’s early contact and Scott’s ability to work back to the ball.

The controversy underscores growing concerns over officiating integrity in college football’s highest-profile matchups.

Up nextCollege Football· 23m ago

WSU's Owen Eshelman to start at QB against Oregon State, replacing Caden Pinnick