The competence, or lack thereof, was a talking point throughout Oklahoma’s 24-17 win over Auburn on Saturday. A particularly controversial play occurred early in the game, when an apparent Tigers touchdown was taken off the board. Afterward, Auburn coach Hugh Freeze did not hide his frustration.
On Oklahoma’s first offensive possession, Auburn cornerback Kayin Lee scored a fumble return for a touchdown. Or, at least that’s how it was initially ruled. Upon further review, it was ruled that Oklahoma receiver Isaiah Sategna III never possessed the ball. With that, the touchdown was wiped off the board, something Freeze was clearly not happy with in the moment.
— Vid Clip Hero (@VidClipHero) September 20, 2025
Hugh Freeze’s reaction after Auburn’s fumble recovery TD was overturned pic.twitter.com/bE9MGAOMM1
— Patrick Greenfield (@PCGreenfield) September 20, 2025
After the first quarter, Freeze spoke with sideline reporter Molly McGrath, who asked him about the overturned touchdown. Freeze made it clear that he was still baffled by the overturned call.
“I don’t know how it’s not a fumble,” Freeze said. “I don’t know. Maybe they had a different review upstairs. Looked like he juggled at first, regained, and ran. We stripped it. Thought it should have been a touchdown.”
— Vid Clip Hero (@VidClipHero) September 20, 2025
This was not the only time that Auburn found itself on the wrong end of a controversial call involving a touchdown. This time, Satenga scored a touchdown, which rules analyst Matt Austin said should not have counted, as he felt Oklahoma used a with Satenga motioning as though he was going to the sidelines that the Sooners were using a “hideout play” and should have been flagged.
The officiating in general was a significant talking point throughout the game.
Not the best game for this officiating crew in Norman. OU TD should have been unsportsmanlike penalty. Should have been PI on OU on the double pass. At least Auburn did convert the 4th down. And yes I’m probably way behind on the plane!
— Chris Fallica (@chrisfallica) September 20, 2025
Haven’t even really noticed the refs at all in the Auburn-Oklahoma game pic.twitter.com/BMHJt5ovFK
— Krispen Wah (@SirSnaxAlot5015) September 20, 2025
This officiating in the Auburn-Oklahoma game has been a disaster
— College Football Report (@CFBRep) September 20, 2025
As the game was winding down, announcer Sean McDonough made mention of it while discussing what a tough day it had been for Freeze and the Tigers.
“Been an agonizing day in so many ways for Hugh Freeze,” McDonough said. “So many things that will be replayed in the review of this game, including with the SEC officiating folks.”
“Been an agonizing day in so many ways for Hugh Freeze. So many things that will be replayed in the review of this game, including with the SEC officiating folks.”
– Sean McDonough pic.twitter.com/FKUapGjHEM
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) September 20, 2025
We can only imagine that the conversations about the officiating will be spirited.
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