Controversial no-call comes early in Iron Bowl

The Iron Bowl is never without controversy.

In Saturday afternoon’s annual game between Alabama and Auburn, Tigers cornerback Roger McCreary was not flagged for pass interference while defending Alabama wideout Jameson Williams.

How was this not pass interference? #Alabama #Auburn #IronBowl

pic.twitter.com/lR51sIvZjs

— Sideline CFB (@SidelineCFB) November 27, 2021

McCreary wrapped his arm around Williams and dragged him to the ground as they ran down the sideline. 

In another controversial call, Williams was ejected from the game for targeting midway through the second quarter.

Auburn led Alabama 7-0 at the half after Auburn quarterback TJ Finley threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Kobe Hudson.

The Tigers defense is currently stifling the Tide, holding them to 68 total yards in the first half.

Alabama has not won at Auburn since 2015. They entered the game as a 19.5-point favorite with a potential College Football Playoff berth on the line. Regardless of the outcome of this game, they will play Georgia next weekend for the SEC title in Atlanta.

Saban on what went wrong in first half

Alabama was held scoreless in the first half for the first time since the national championship game against Georgia on Jan. 9, 2018.

Before heading into the locker room, Alabama head coach Nick Saban spoke with CBS reporter Jamie Erdahl about the problems his Tide had in the first 30 minutes.

“Well we can’t block them up front, obviously,” Saban said. “The quarterback doesn’t have any time to operate, haven’t been able to run the ball effectively, so we’re getting bad down and distance situations. We just gotta figure it out at halftime.”

Alabama has not had their regular potent rushing attack this season. They are averaging just 157.5 yards per game, and their running back room has been decimated by injuries.

With 11 minutes remaining in the third quarter, Auburn leads Alabama 10-0 after kicking a field goal on their first offensive possession of the second half.