Photo via Yahoo Sports

Tennessee football news: SEC announces Volunteers' onside kick vs. Texas was actually illegal

The Southeastern Conference acknowledged that an officiating mistake occurred during the final minute of the matchup between the seventeenth-ranked Volunteers and the top-ranked Longhorns. With just eighty-two seconds remaining and trailing by three points, Tennessee executed an unconventional drop-kick free kick that was recovered by the kicking team following a fumble by Texas wide receiver Ryan Wingo.

Although officials initially penalized the play, the flag was subsequently picked up after a conference among the crew, allowing the recovery to stand. League officials clarified on Monday that the execution violated restraining line and lateral movement regulations, which should have triggered a five-yard infraction and a replay of the down.

Despite the admitted blown call, the outcome of the contest remained unchanged as the Longhorns preserved a twenty to seventeen victory to reach a four and zero record. During the closing moments, Volunteers quarterback Faizon Brandon had earlier connected with Mike Matthews for a thirty-yard touchdown before their final drive fell short of field goal range and a desperate Hail Mary heave was broken up by the defense.

Following the contest, Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian questioned the validity of the sequence, while Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel noted that the specific tactic had previously been utilized within the conference.

Up nextCollege Football· 28m ago

Colorado State defensive coordinator leaves team mid game vs. Oregon State, is officially fired afterward