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Steve Sarkisian rips officiating during halftime interview of SEC Championship Game
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Steve Sarkisian’s walkoff interview at halftime of the SEC Championship Game was a chippy affair, as the Texas head coach was displeased with what he felt was unfair officiating during the game.
The Longhorns were whistled for 8 penalties for 80 yards while the Bulldogs were penalized twice for 19 yards. ESPN’s Laura Rutledge asked Sarkisian how his team could avoid further penalties in the second half, and his response was a pointed one.
“Well, hopefully, they call them for holding one of these times, too,” he said before walking to the locker room.
With Steve Sarkisian not happy with the Refs & a awkward interview
— Alex 👋 (@Dubs408) December 7, 2024
Sarkisian’s frustration has been on display during the first half, and for good reason: the Longhorns have outgained the Bulldogs 260-54 and have recorded 12 first downs to Georgia’s 5. Carson Beck has struggled, throwing for 53 yards on just 7-of-13 passing. The Dawgs have run the football 8 times for -2 yards.
Still, it’s just a 6-3 Texas lead.
The Longhorns have been unable to pull away from the Bulldogs in this one through two quarters of play. We’ll see what the second half has in store and if the Longhorns can continue to keep the Dawgs at arms-length, or if the Bulldogs can snap out of it and make it 2-0 in 2024 against the Horns.
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
