Remember that crew of refs that messed up the Oklahoma-Auburn game so badly the SEC had to step in and provide a statement? Well, the same group of officials are on the whistle for Tennessee’s game at Alabama.
The group is led by referee Jeff Heaser. Other referees on the unit include umpire Michael Moten, linesman Chad Green, line judge Adam Loudin, back judge Tom Fimmen, field judge John Wisnewski, side judge Glen Fucik and center judge Joel Moenkhoff. It is a different replay official.
In Auburn’s loss at Oklahoma, the chief complaint was of the ‘hideout tactic’ that the Sooners used on the sideline to score a touchdown. The Tigers lost 24-17 in the game.
Afterward, the SEC released a statement noting the missed call by the referees.
Statement on @AuburnFootball/@OU_Football game: pic.twitter.com/PCn8AwLkeb
— SEC Officiating (@SECOfficiating) September 21, 2025
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“In Saturday’s Auburn at Oklahoma football game with 10:50 remaining in the 2nd quarter, a pass was thrown to Oklahoma #5 resulting in a touchdown,” the statement from the SEC read. “Oklahoma #5 participated in the previous play, which was a first down play from the 22-yard line. After the first down play was completed, Oklahoma #5 continued towards his team’s sideline but stopped just before reaching the Oklahoma sideline.
“NCAA Football Rule 9-2, Article 2 is labeled ‘unfair tactics’ with Paragraph (B) stating
“‘No simulated replacements or substitutions may be used to confuse opponents. No tactic associated with substitutes or the substitution process may be used to confuse opponents. This includes any hideout tactic with or without a substitution.’
“The officiating crew did not properly interpret the action as a hideout tactic. If properly officiated, the second down play should have resulted in a team unsportsmanlike conduct penalty of 15 yards assessed from the previous spot.
“Appropriate accountability will be applied without additional comment.”
In the first half of Tennessee vs. Alabama in Tuscaloosa, the Tide took a 23-7 lead at the break due to a pick-six as time expired that went the length of the field.
The Vols have been whistled for six penalties for 29 yards to this point. Alabama has been called for two penalties for 20 yards.
