Mullen: SEC replay official blew call vs Florida
JACKSON, Miss. — Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen spent much of Saturday night and Sunday morning reviewing a blown call, and asked for disciplinary action against the Southeastern Conference replay official who worked the Bulldogs’ 29-19 loss to Florida.
Mullen said it’s understandable if a field official makes a mistake because of the speed of the game, but the replay official can take his time and should be held accountable.
“I don’t even know why we have replay right now in the Southeastern Conference if they’re not going to utilize it,” Mullen said Sunday.
“That’s twice now that they’ve blown calls on the replay with our games, resulting in big plays, and I think that’s unexcuable for that official. I hope he’s severely punished if he ever works another SEC game again, because I think it’s completely unacceptable.”
Messages left with the SEC were not immediately returned Sunday, and it was unclear who handled duties in the replay booth Saturday in Starkville.
Linebacker Dustin Doe scored a touchdown after returning an interception in the fourth quarter, putting the Gators up 29-13. Replays appeared to show Brandon McRae stripped the ball from the celebrating linebacker short of the goal line.
The touchdown was Florida’s second in 33 seconds, sealing the win.
Mullen said it was the second time a replay official has cost his team this season. He was referring to a penalty called against Mississippi State in a loss to Houston that looked as if the play would have been overturned had it been reviewed.
SportingNews.com
10/25/9
