Controversial missed calls helped Alabama's comeback over Georgia

Sam Cooper
·College football writer

After a relatively clean first half, there was some questionable officiating in the third quarter of the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.

And it proved costly for Georgia.

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It started on a punt after Alabama went three-and-out on its first drive of the third quarter. A Georgia player got a great jump on the snap and blocked the punt. It looked like Georgia, which was leading 13-0, would be in great position to add onto its lead. However, Georgia’s Tyler Simmons was issued an offsides penalty.

(via ESPN)
(via ESPN)

Upon a second look, it appeared to be the wrong call. Here’s another replay:

Instead of regaining possession in the red zone, Alabama was given five yards and allowed to re-kick.

Bama got the punt off cleanly this time and Georgia took over at its own 36. But UGA also quickly went three-and-out. On a third down run, though, Alabama got away with a facemask penalty on Georgia running back D’Andre Swift. It was pretty blatant, and it would have given the Bulldogs a first down, but the refs somehow missed it.

(via ESPN)
(via ESPN)

Instead of a first down, Georgia kicked it back to Alabama. The Tide went on to score their first points of the game on the ensuing drive, cutting the lead to 13-7.

Georgia scored on the next drive to bring the lead back to 13 points at 20-7. But Alabama, led by true freshman quarter Tua Tagovailoa, ended up storming all the way back to win in overtime, 26-23.

More CFP national title game coverage from Yahoo Sports:
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• Alabama OL Bradley Bozeman wins title, immediately proposes to girlfriend
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• Alabama benches QB Jalen Hurts for freshman backup
• ’F— Trump heard yelled in tunnel as Alabama hit field
• Lane Kiffin tweets frustration with Alabama’s playcalling
• Alabama LB Mekhi Brown punches Georgia player, goes after staff member on sideline

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Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!