The SEC title game between Auburn and Missouri has been full of exciting plays so far, but one of the most exciting – at least from a Missouri offensive standpoint – shouldn’t have counted.
With 6:29 remaining in the first quarter, Missouri quarterback James Franklin lofted the ball up to receiver Dorial Green-Beckham 28 yards for the Tigers' first touchdown of the game.
While the play stood, replays revealed that Beckham didn’t actually have control of the ball when he hit the ground. Replays showed the laces hitting the turf and the ball rolling as Green-Beckham went sliding across the turf. Even Mike Pereira, former vice president of officiating for the NFL, chimed in on Twitter to point out the loss of possession.
That was not a TD in the SEC championship game. Ball rolled on the ground when he hit the ground. Replay should have stopped that.
— Mike Pereira (@MikePereira) December 7, 2013
Missouri, probably sensing that the play might be reviewed, kicked the extra point quickly and the touchdown stood.
The touchdown didn't ultimately matter since Auburn won 59-42, but while the game was close, it could have proven the difference.
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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter!Follow @YahooDrSaturday