ESPN's Karl Ravech gives unbelievable excuse for Texas vs Alabama troll narrative gaffe

ESPN play-by-play commentator Karl Ravech set social media on fire Tuesday night. In the late stages of Alabama‘s win over Texas, Ravech noted how the SEC is 82-82 since Jan. 4. There have only been conference games since then, meaning it’s impossible for there to be anything other than a .500 record.

Ravech finally gave an explanation on Wednesday afternoon, claiming the comment was made “tongue in cheek” to prove any team can win in the SEC. He admits there was poor execution in delivering the joke before giving praise to the two teams atop the standings — Alabama and Auburn.

“Just landed and see X is on fire,” Ravech said. “Simple explanation. Tongue in cheek 82-82 record was to illustrate any night either team can win and one will. Clearly very poor execution on my part. It is amazing that Alabama/Auburn have only lost once in such a great conference. That’s all.”

At the time, Ravech was discussing how competitive the SEC has been this season. A dominant nonconference record meant it could wind up being the greatest single-season conference performance in college basketball history. Going head-to-head has seen some good teams take losses, proving how much of a grind the schedule can be.

But then, he pointed out how going into Tuesday night, teams were 82-82 since SEC play began.

“We know how dominant they were in the nonconference part of the season, the SEC,” Ravech said on Tuesday. “They were 185-23. Since January 4, into Tuesday, the SEC teams are 82-82. It’s not as if one team or two teams or three — they’re 82-82. There’s been no ability pull away, there’s no dominant group of teams.”

Five SEC games took place on Tuesday, bringing the conference’s record to 87-87 since the calendar flipped over. Three more take place on Wednesday and it will go up to 90-90 before a full slate on Saturday.

An unfortunate but hilarious moment from Ravech who was just attempting to fill air time during a blowout. He will be back in front of the mic Saturday night, heading back to Austin. Texas is set to host Kentucky in what could be a lively affair from the Moody Center.

You have to imagine Ravech will make light of the situation, if not his color commentator Jimmy Dykes at one point. At the very least, an explanation comes from social media on the viral moment.