Auburn Catch, Or Alabama Interception? You Decide

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Auburn Catch, Or Alabama Interception? You Decide

Quan Bray was credited with an amazing 35-yard catch down the sideline, but it was very close and after a bizarre review sequence, the call was upheld.

Here's the controversial play in the third quarter of the Iron Bowl that was initially ruled an auburn reception, and held up as a catch after official review. Auburn has been burning Alabama deep all night and it looked like Quan Bray made a remarkable catch on third down, leaping over Bradley Sylve down the sideline for 35 yards and a first down.

In real time it looked like a great play. Bray went over the top of Sylve to prevent a would-be interception for 'Bama and got his feet in bounds for the catch. After review, it looked like Sylve actually had the better argument for possession, and also got his foot down in play, but it was definitely close. Since the call on the field was an Auburn reception, and because of the rule of joint possession—basically, tie goes to the receiver—the call stood.

Aside from the difficulty of the call itself, the review process made things even more bizarre because Auburn actually ran a play immediately after the catch, which should negate any review. After the Tigers ran their play and Alabama stopped them, the referee then indicated that the official reviewer buzzed down to review the play before the snap. Gus Malzahn was pissed, but the call eventually stayed with the Tigers. With a new set of downs from the 'Bama 21-yard line, Auburn only got a field goal out of the drive—after Duke Williams dropped a sure touchdown—which is probably the most equitable result, all things considered.

[ESPN]