LSU gets hosed by obscure rule that nullifies fumble recovery vs Alabama

LSU football fans are furious after referees overturned an Alabama fumble because of rule about an out-of-bounds player touching the ball.

LSU is fighting an uphill battle to get into the SEC title game after a rough start to the 2022 season. A win over Alabama would go a long way to get them to their ultimate goal.

However, beating Alabama will take everything they have and maybe a bit of luck. It would also help if the referees didn’t interfere.

Some wondered if that was happening in the first half when a Crimson Tide fumble, which was recovered by LSU, was overturned because of a technicality.

LSU hosed by obscure rule that nullifies fumble recovery vs Alabama

Here’s what happened: Sage Ryan forced a fumble on Alabama tight end Cameron Latu. Greg Brooks jumped in to recover it near the sideline. However, before Brooks could gain full control, Latu touched the ball. Since Latu was out of bounds, the play was ruled dead before the recovery.

It’s not a rule that comes into play too often but it definitely worked against LSU in this case.

Want to guess how LSU fans responded to that one?

In the end, the refs appeared to get the call right. The real problem is the rule, which heavily benefits the offense when it comes to fumbles on the sideline. An offensive player doesn’t have to recover the ball themselves. They just need to get a hand on the ball to save the day if they’re on the sideline.

Alabama went on to kick a field goal on the drive, trailing just 7-6. Those three points could have a huge impact on the result.