Kirby Smart offers thoughts on controversial Isaiah Bond catch

When Alabama has needed somebody to come up with a big-time catch over the past two weeks, Isaiah Bond‘s name was called. Everyone in Tuscaloosa will remember the Grave Digger play against Auburn, winning the Iron Bowl and keeping CFP chances alive. Those in Athens are more concerned about a play the officials called a catch on a massive fourth down in the first half.

Alabama extended their lead to 17-7 late on in the second quarter, with the critical play happening on a 4th and 4. Jalen Milroe connected with Bond for 22 yards and brought Alabama to the 15-yard line. Two plays later, former Georgia receiver Jermaine Burton was in the endzone.

Looking back at the replay, it seemed as if Bond did not maintain control throughout the catch process. If reviewed, Georgia likely would have gotten the ball back before halftime with or chance to score or keep it a three-point game. Instead, they went into the locker room down two scores.

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart was asked about the situation, specifically about potentially getting a review from the officials. He did not ask for one because it would have cost him a timeout. And with how Alabama ran up to the line of scrimmage, they moved quickly enough to hold off the booth.

“The first staple of any review is they review it up top, they go quick,” Smart said. “For me to ask for a review, it costs me a timeout. They get to watch it. I was not aware of it being called or not called. I guess you’re saying the replay showed he didn’t catch it. That was an extremely critical play in the game because they go on to score there.”

At the time, Georgia only had one timeout remaining and Smart did not want to burn their final one to get a review in. However, it went up unused as by the time Alabama got their touchdown, there was not enough time on the clock to get a drive off. After two plays, the two teams went into the break.

Bond’s catch certainly changed the game, giving Alabama a 10-point lead. With the score difference being three, Georgia could have taken a critical touchdown off the board. However, with so many moving parts going on in the play, Smart did not feel comfortable with the situation while in the moment.