Refs Accused Of 'Blatantly' Rigging Ole Miss vs. Georgia
Unfortunately, an epic Sugar Bowl between No. 6 Ole Miss and No. 3 Georgia was overshadowed by horrible officiating.
During the fourth quarter of the Sugar Bowl, the refs missed a clear facemask penalty on Georgia's defense. Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy was baffled that he didn't draw the 15-yard penalty, especially since his neck was nearly twisted in an ugly way. That missed call ultimately led to the Rebels punting the football away.
As if that missed call wasn't bad enough, Georgia benefitted from a questionable pass interference call with under two minutes to go. That penalty extended a game-tying drive for the Bulldogs.
It shouldn't surprise anyone that fans were disgusted with these two controversial calls.
Fans believe refs favored Georgia.
"They want Dawgs 2 win Bad," NFL legend Shannon Sharpe wrote on X.
"Getting your head turned around and not touching the wr lmao this is not pass interference.. refs want Georgia vs Carson beck so bad," one person said.
"Why play the games if the refs are just going to determine who wins anyway," a fan commented. "Between the egregious missed facemask call & that incredibly soft pass interference with the game on the line, these officials are handing the #SugarBowl to Georgia. A damn shame the zebras ruined the best game of the #CFBPlayoff by far."
"Flags come flying when Georgia needs it to extend drives. But blatant facemask calls are missed on Georgia’s defense. Refs came to save the day," another social media user wrote.
Despite facing adversity in the fourth quarter, Ole Miss wouldn't be denied.
Trinidad Chambliss orchestrated a clutch drive in the closing minute to set up Lucas Carneiro for a game-winning field goal. Although all the pressure in the world was on his shoulders, he stepped up to the plate and made it.
With the win on Thursday night, Ole Miss has secured a showdown with Miami in the College Football Playoff semifinals.
This story was originally published by The Spun on Jan 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
