CFB World Reacts to Alabama-Tennessee Fourth Down Debacle

The officials couldn’t keep track of what down it was in the third quarter of Saturday’s game in Knoxville.

In the third quarter of Saturday’s game between Alabama and Tennessee in Knoxville, the Volunteers were faced with a fourth down and 2 at the Alabama 42-yard line.

Volunteers quarterback Hendon Hooker took a shotgun snap and threw a quick pass out to his right to tight end Jacob Warren, who was stuffed short of the line to gain.

Turnover on downs. Easy enough, right?

Wrong.

The officials huddled up to discuss whether or not it was a turnover on downs and Alabama ball. The line judge had it marked as third down on the field, while the stadium scoreboard indicated it was fourth down prior to the failed conversion by Tennessee.

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The officials ruled on the field that it was a turnover on downs, but the decision went under a lengthy review on the field. Ultimately, the review confirmed that the call on the field made by the officials of a turnover on downs was correct, and Alabama took over on offense.

Here are some of the best reactions from social media following the debacle.

They're reviewing if it was fourth down or not. What a clown show.

— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) October 15, 2022

"The ruling of fourth down is under further review."

I need a drink

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) October 15, 2022

"After review, Tennessee was short on fourth down."

Glad we got that straight.

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) October 15, 2022

I hope the guy with the down marker just refuses to say it was fourth down. Make it a protest.

— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) October 15, 2022

"The ruling of fourth down is under video review," was the sentence the ref just said out loud during the timeout.

— Michael Casagrande (@ByCasagrande) October 15, 2022

The refs don't know what down it is in Knoxville

— ¡BUM CHILLUPS AKA SPENCER HALL! (@edsbs) October 15, 2022

Thought Alabama was about to join Missouri in having a fifth-down game

— Nick Kelly (@_NickKelly) October 15, 2022