Florida and Florida State engaged in a thrilling rivalry meeting on Friday, one that saw the Seminoles end a three-game, four-year losing streak to the Gators in Doak Campbell Stadium.
But the Seminoles' 45-38 victory over Florida wasn't without controversy. Indeed, on the Gators' final offensive play from scrimmage, the SEC officiating crew missed what appeared to be an obvious facemask penalty by Jammie Robinson on Anthony Richardson:
No facemask called
— AC (@ACinPhilly) November 26, 2022
Whatever, it was a good game. #Florida #FloridaState #Gators #CollegeFootball #NCAA pic.twitter.com/2Zt0oLdDp8
The penalty, had it been called, would have resulted in an automatic first down, placing Florida halfway to the goal line (at the 13-yard line). As it stood, Richardson's last-gasp heave toward the end zone fell incomplete, resulting in a turnover on downs and giving FSU the ball at its 26.
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One play later, Jordan Travis knelt to end the game.
While the ending will certainly create vitriol among Florida faithful, Seminoles fans will point to a penalty earlier in a drive that they felt should not have been called. Jarques McClellion was in defense of Florida's Caleb Douglas, forcing an incompletion. But he was called for pass interference on, resulting in a conversion on fourth-and-18 instead:
— Follow @TPortalCFB (@CowardlyDoggo) November 26, 2022
"When you do it the right way and you come up short, it's tough," Florida head coach Billy Napier said postgame.
Missed calls and subjective penalties are part of the game, and fans of both teams will have things to gripe about. But only one had a direct impact on the result of the game.
