Texas fans at Darrell K. Royal-Memorial Stadium littered the field with bottles and cans after a controversial call initially went against the Longhorns in the third quarter of their showdown with Georgia on Saturday night.
The call in question was a pass interference penalty that appeared to negate a key interception from Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron with three minutes remaining the third quarter.
After a delay for the field to be cleared of the debris, officials reversed the call and let the interception stand. Texas scored a touchdown moments later to cut its deficit to 23-15.
Texas fans threw debris onto the field after an interception was called back due to pass interference.
— ESPN (@espn) October 20, 2024
The refs reversed the call after further discussion. pic.twitter.com/3PAgLcD1hQ
It was a huge sequence in a top-5 battle as the No. 1 Longhorns sought to claw their way back from a 23-0 deficit against the No. 5 Bulldogs.
Steve Sarkisian is pleading with the fans to stop throwing objects. https://t.co/pN0BwYUSLl pic.twitter.com/pbjnvVlkJ4
— Eric Henry (@EricCHenry_) October 20, 2024
Texas fans appeared to be justified in their frustration over the initial call. But Longhorns coach Steve Sarkisian did not appear to appreciate their reaction as he walked toward the student section and repeatedly motioned for the fans to stop throwing things onto the field.
But in the time it took for Texas' gameday staff, security and cheerleaders to clear the field, the officials apparently opted to change their minds. Ultimately, they waved off the pass interference in a decision that sent the Georgia offense to the bench and set the stage for a critical Texas touchdown.
