Tennessee fans, media blast controversial Florida substitution on key 4th down play

Tennessee fans and media were quick to point out that Florida was allowed to substitute a defender on a key 4th down play late in the 3rd quarter.

The controversial substitution came on 4th and 1 from the Florida 17-yard line as Jaylen Wright lost 2 yards on a running play as Joe Milton took the snap from a shotgun formation. That ended an 8-play, 60-yard drive that took up 2:31 as Tennessee trailed Florida 26-10 at the time.

Some people noted that a re-spot of the ball disrupted Tennessee’s tempo.

Here’s a sample of the reaction:

Tennessee is playing awful but these refs are an absolute joke. Miss an obvious PI then stop the play on 4th down so Florida can sub players in but Tennessee didn’t sub.

— Travis Robertson (@TRobertson2) September 17, 2023

Why did Florida get to sub there?

Officials stopped to re-spot the ball.

Florida got a new DL grouping on the field.

— Wes Rucker (@wesrucker247) September 17, 2023

We didn’t make a substitution why were the refs holding up the play and allowing Florida to sub? Uhh?

— Trevor. (@xPrivateMambax) September 17, 2023

WHY DID THE CHEATIN REFS LET FLORIDA SUB ON DEFENSE THERE.

EXPLAIN THIS TO ME LIKE I AM FIVE.

— Snig. (@lilsnig) September 17, 2023

No pass interference call, random stoppage allowing Florida to sub on 4th down. Blatant screw job

— Josh (@JCarter2493) September 17, 2023

This @Vol_Football @FloridaGators is definitely fixed. The referee just kicked the ball to allow Florida to get in subs on a 4th and 1. Earlier the Tennessee defender literally doesn’t even try to tackle Etienne and he goes for a TD. I wish it wasn’t true but it is.

— Anthony Cavelli (@acavelli23) September 17, 2023

Did not see Tennessee make a substitution before that fourth-and-1 so not sure why the refs allowed Florida to sub fresh legs on the field. Big stop with Vols knocking on the door to try and get back in it there

— Stephen Hargis ?? (@StephenHargis) September 17, 2023

They re-spotted the ball. They had shorted Tennessee a half-yard. But in the process, they allowed Florida to sub and killed Tennessee’s tempo.

— Andy Staples (@Andy_Staples) September 17, 2023

The reffs ruined that 4th down for Tennessee.

The reffs completely stopped the game for Florida to bring on subs.

That is absolute BS.@Vol_Football #Vols #GBO #RockyTop

— Mohammed ☀️ (@mhesen09) September 17, 2023

Keith Farner

A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.