SEC officials don't review potential South Carolina TD vs. Alabama; Will Muschamp won't comment for fear of fine

Thomas Lott

•
SEC officials don't review potential South Carolina TD vs. Alabama; Will Muschamp won't comment for fear of fine image

South Carolina coach Will Muschamp was treading lightly at the end of the half against Alabama.

The Gamecocks were stopped at the goal line on first-and-goal after a Rico Dowdle carry with less than a minute to go in the half. But upon review of the play, it appeared Dowdle actually broke the plane which should have resulted in a touchdown. But the argument could be made as well that his knee did touch before he got to the line of gain.

Either way, it shouldn't have been a big deal as every play is reviewable in college football. However, the one problem was SEC officials didn't review it.

The decision didn't sit well with Muschamp, but you wouldn't know it by how he responded to a question about the play.

But if you read between the lines, he told you exactly what he thought of the officials' choice not to review it.

“I’ll get fined for the rest of my life if I comment on that," Muschamp said.

In fairness to the officials, South Carolina had three chances to score a touchdown after that and didn't get it done.

But, if you believe the ball broke the plane then they never should have had to run extra plays.

The SEC released a statement on the play a few hours later.

"On this play in question of #BAMAvsSC, the replay official saw the right knee was down and knew the call could not be overturned, therefore, the game was not stopped for additional review," the statement read. "Every play is reviewed-only when necessary is the game stopped for further review."

The Gamecocks trailed the Crimson Tide 24-10 at halftime.

Thomas Lott