Watch: DPI call prompts Texas fans to throw objects on field

Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian. Sara Diggins/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Watch: Controversial DPI call prompts Texas fans to throw objects on field

By Austen Bundy | Last updated Oct 19, 2024 11:19 PM ET

The No. 1 Texas Longhorns found themselves in a deep hole entering the second half of its massive SEC matchup with No. 5 Georgia on Saturday.

After being shut out 23-0 in the first half, Texas scored a quick eight points out of the halftime locker room and then intercepted a pass from Georgia quarterback Carson Beck, returning it into the red zone. However, a flag for defensive pass interference was thrown and the momentum-shifting play was negated.

On replay, there was questionable evidence that the flag was warranted but it seemed as if the decision was made and Georgia would retain possession.

Texas fans then threw bottles and trash onto the playing surface in an ugly display of their displeasure at the call. Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian needed to walk across the field to implore his team's fans to cease their unsportsmanlike behavior.

Texas fans threw debris onto the field after an interception was called back due to pass interference.

The refs reversed the call after further discussion. pic.twitter.com/3PAgLcD1hQ
— ESPN (@espn) October 20, 2024

During the delay, the officials huddled and decided to reverse the call. It's unclear if they viewed the replay on the jumbotron or what precedent they used to make such a decision.

Pass interference is not a reviewable play in college football, but officials can confer before the official announcement and pick up the flag if needed.

Texas also was not penalized for its fans throwing objects onto the field in what seemed to be a very unusual officiating lapse.

After the pass interference call on Jahdae Barron, trash is being thrown on the field from the student section#HookEm | #Texas pic.twitter.com/FZCaW1Avno
— Cory Mose (@Cory_Mose) October 20, 2024

On its ensuing possession following the changed penalty call, Texas scored another quick touchdown to narrow Georgia's lead to 23-15.

It was a chaotic sequence that seemed to result in the right call standing, but less than savory optics will remain for pundits and fans to dissect for all time regardless of the result.

Austen Bundy

Austen Bundy is a journalist and sports junkie from the Washington, D. C. area

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