Texas beat Tennessee 20-17 at Neyland Stadium after officials picked up an initial flag and awarded the Vols the recovered onside kick. NBC rules analyst Terry McAulay argued the kick was illegal because Jackson Ross did not kick from the 35-yard line.
Ross held the ball, ran forward, dropped it onto the turf and kicked it as it bounced, rather than using a standard plastic tee. Texas receiver Ryan Wingo nearly secured the ball before Tennessee linebacker Arion Carter recovered it at the Vols’ own 49. McAulay said kickoffs must be taken from the 35-yard line; the exception for safety kicks did not apply.
The recovery gave Tennessee a chance at a late comeback, but Texas broke up a last-second Hail Mary in the end zone. The win kept Texas undefeated at 4-0; PFN’s Playoff Meter showed its College Football Playoff chances increasing by 7.8%.
