Auburn football lost to Penn State last night, 28-20, in Bryan Harsin’s first game against a Power Five program as head coach of the Tigers.
Given the events that occurred in those 60 minutes, it’s more than a stretch to say Harsin failed his first major test as the leading voice on the AU sideline.
One of the most notable officiating gaffes that one could point to in turning the tide fully in favor of the Nittany Lions was Zakoby McClain being disqualified for a hit at the goal line that kept Penn State’s Parker Washington out of the end zone.
It’d be one thing to share Auburn football fans’ reaction to the hit, but I think the unbiased reaction from Sportscenter anchor Matt Barrie (an Arizona State graduate) speaks even louder volumes:
Targeting is ruining college football. That was a joke. What’s he supposed to do? Let him score??
— Matt Barrie (@MattBarrie) September 19, 2021
McClain himself relayed that sentiment:
So I suppose to just let him score 🤣🤦🏾♂️ https://t.co/WBAHM4ewpO
— Zakoby McClain (@RicochetRabbit) September 19, 2021
McClain apologized to Auburn football fans on his Twitter, but that apology isn’t necessary from the senior LB.
It’s due from the officials.
That said, we aren’t looking to make claims that this was a stolen contest and that the fix was in for Penn State to win this game. Keep that third eye closed.
Sean Clifford dominated the Tigers secondary, going 28/32 through the air with a pair of touchdowns. And an interception to Roger McCreary.
His dominance and the ability of the Nittany Lions defense to force Bo Nix out of the pocket were the primary culprits that snatched the game from the jaws of victory for AU.
Even still, missing McClain down the stretch and for the first half next week against Georgia State is blatant officiating malpractice.