Alabama and Georgia waited to produce their first controversial play of Monday's College Football Playoff championship until perhaps the biggest point in the game.
Facing third-and-8 from his 27, Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett rolled right to avoid pressure from an oncoming Alabama blitz. He appeared to throw the ball away, resulting in an incomplete pass or — at worst — intentional grounding. Except: ACC officials calling the game ruled he had lost control of the ball prior to his arm moving forward, resulting in a fumble recovered by Alabama.
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Here is the play in question:
This play was ruled a Stetson Bennett fumble and an Alabama recovery.
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) January 11, 2022
Did the refs get the call right?
🎥 @espn | #NationalChampionshippic.twitter.com/wBnB9YloEp
The play went to review, with officials taking their time to come up with their call. Below is a view of Malachi Moore recovering the ball along the sideline.
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Christion Harris with the sack/fumble 🔥
— Alabama DieHards 🥋 (@DiehardsAlabama) January 11, 2022
Brian Branch gets the fumble recovery 😤🔥pic.twitter.com/bzUpZho4nE
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 11, 2022
The fumble call was eventually upheld, giving Alabama a first down at the Georgia 16. Five plays later, Alabama quarterback Bryce Young hit tight end Cameron Latu for the Crimson Tide's first touchdown of the game. Following a failed 2-point conversion, Alabama led 18-13.
Georgia brought pressure to Bryce Young on 3rd-and-goal.
— The Athletic CFB (@TheAthleticCFB) January 11, 2022
It didn't stop him from finding Cameron Latu for the go-ahead TD.
🎥 @espn | #NationalChampionshippic.twitter.com/saM9zDFYon
Georgia returned the favor on its ensuing drive, as Bennett completed a 40-yard touchdown pass to Adonai Mitchell for his first touchdown of the game. Following a failed 2-point conversion by the Bulldogs, Georgia led 19-18 with 8:09 left to play.