Mario Fannin Touchdown Run Should Have Been Ruled an Auburn Fumble

Auburn running back Mario Fannin got credited with a 3-yard touchdown run to give the Tigers a 17-14 lead in the second quarter against Arkansas. Though Fannin appeared to have a clear path to the end zone, he was met just before the goal line and had the ball knocked out. Because the play happened so quickly and because it was just in front of the goal line, the referees ruled the run a touchdown. The play was challenged but not overturned because there was a lack of conclusive evidence to change the call. Most of the angles for the replay weren’t helpful because you couldn’t tell where the ball came out, but this was the only shot that mattered:

As you can see, the ball had already come out before Fannin reached the end zone. It happened so quickly you would only see what happened through replay, but the correct call was a fumble. Arkansas should have had the ball up 14-10 in the second quarter, but instead Auburn got credit for the touchdown and took the 17-14 lead.