Tennessee-Ole Miss crew members officiated Mississippi State-Memphis game
Memphis defeated Mississippi State, 31-29, in a Week 3 game at the Liberty Bowl in Memphis, Tennessee.
Memphis’ victory was controversial as the Tigers’ Calvin Austin III scored on a 94-yard touchdown.
With five minutes and 58 seconds remaining in the game, Mississippi State, losing 21-17, punted to the Tigers.
Memphis’ Calvin Austin III returned the punt 94-yards as the football was lying on the field.
The football was kicked to the two-yard line and bounced back to the seven where Mississippi State’s Martin Emerson had his hand on the ball to down it.
The referee signaled the play dead.
Austin III picked up the ball and returned it to the end zone and officials credited Memphis with a touchdown.
Following the Mississippi State-Memphis game, the Southeastern Conference released a statement regarding the play and other officiating mistakes in the contest.
— SEC Officiating (@SECOfficiating) September 19, 2021
In Week 7, Ole Miss defeated Tennessee, 31-26, at Neyland Stadium.
The Vols came up short when driving with 54 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. Tennessee tight end Jacob Warren was ruled one yard short of a first down on 4th and 24.
Following a placement of the ball, the game was delayed due to debris being thrown on the field.
Oct. 16, 2021; Knoxville, Tennessee; Tennessee Volunteers tight end Jacob Warren (87) is tackled by Mississippi Rebels defensive back Otis Reese (3) during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports
In the Mississippi State-Memphis and Tennessee-Ole Miss contests, the following officiated in both games.
Former Alabama defensive lineman Brent Sowell (umpire), Chris Conway (line judge), Wes Booker (field judge), Eduardo Balbis (side judge) and Marc Curles (referee).
