"SEC hates Hugh Freeze & Auburn": CFB fans tear into referees for "horrible" officiating after questionable fumble ruling vs. Georgia

College football fans were unhappy with the officiating during the showdown between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Auburn Tigers on Saturday. They were particularly frustrated with one call that benefited Kirby Smart's team.

During a third-and-goal play in the second quarter, it looked like Auburn quarterback Jackson Arnold managed to score a touchdown. However, he lost the ball while crossing the goal line and the Georgia Bulldogs recovered it.

The referees ruled it a fumble and stuck with their original decision after a replay review, prompting a flurry of responses on social media.

After the fumble ruling by the referees, analyst Greg McElroy shared his thoughts on the decision.

"It's so close. Might not have just had enough evidence to overturn beyond all doubt," McElroy said as per On3. "That's the protocol, beyond all doubt. Clearly the replay review, they didn't see it the way we saw it."

Hugh Freeze's team took an early lead after Jackson Arnold rushed for a two-yard touchdown in the first quarter. Alex McPherson added a 25-yard field goal in the second quarter. However, Peyton Woodring's 29-yard field goal reduced the deficit for the Georgia Bulldogs.

At halftime, the Auburn Tigers had a 10-3 lead over Kirby Smart's team. However, the Georgia Bulldogs took control of the game in the second half, ending the night with a 20-10 victory.

Hugh Freeze shares his thoughts on Auburn's disappointing 20-10 loss to Georgia

In the post-game press conference, Hugh Freeze expressed his dismay about his team losing to Georgia despite having the lead in the first half.

He stated that Auburn needs to start finding ways to win games on the field. Freeze also highlighted how he has great players on the roster to achieve success.

"It's very clear that we find ways to not win football games," Freeze said. "And that's what has to change. And that locker room is good enough football team to play with anyone and to win games, creating that mentality that believes you're going to and finding ways to do it and to do your assignment when it's called on in critical moments ... "

"It's things that we've got to get corrected if we want to experience the joy of winning these close, tough SEC football games. That's really the way I see it. "

The Auburn Tigers will next face the Missouri Tigers on Oct.18 at home. Can Freeze and his team bring an end to their three-game losing streak next week?

About the author

Priyam is a College Sports content executive at Sportskeeda with a master's in Advertising and Marketing Management and over two years of experience as a writer. When it comes to reporting, Priyam believes doing a technical deep dive is one of his biggest strengths and he loves to dissect plays on the field and factor out the strengths/weaknesses of players.

A fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team, Priyam sees Nick Saban as the greatest coach of all time. He is also rooting for Alabama quarterback Jalen Milore after following his progress over the years. The Michigan Wolverines football team is another of his favorite programs and it will be interesting to see how both these teams perform in new coaching eras.

When he’s not reporting, Priyam is usually at the gym or indulging in music. He has been a guitarist and a drummer for the past 17 years and finds his time of peace when playing music.

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Edited by Priyam Hazarika