For some Georgia fans Monday's loss to Alabama in the College Football Championship, though tragically heartbreaking, filled them with hope and pride.
For other Bulldogs watchers it was deja vu watching a team rise in joy only to crumble in defeat.
And yet for others, the overtime loss was the result of a sinister force -- the Big Ten referees officiating the game.
Media outlets and fans alike point to a litany of missed calls that allowed Alabama to claim its fifth title in nine seasons.
Here are some of the cited incidents of flagrant favoritism to the Tide:
• Bulldogs are ahead 20-13 with 4 minutes in regulation. Alabama faces a fourth-and-4. Tua Tagovailoa hits Calvin Ridley in the back of the end zone to tie the game.
The no-flag play: Alabama wide receiver Najee Harris (bottom) jumps early.
Retweeted Jimmy Traina (@JimmyTraina):
— Mark Kim Marion (@swensonmember) January 9, 2018
WR at bottom junmps early on TD. pic.twitter.com/QMhCV6huwS https://t.co/Xs4dYcrjhK
• In the third quarter, Georgia appeared to block a punt. Georgia’s Tyler Simmons was called offside ... but was he?
The no-flag play: Two Alabama players actually moved before the snap.
Referees just blew that offside call that resulted in Blocked Punt. #CFPNationalChampionship #GoDawgs #RollTide pic.twitter.com/PAog4eXJVX
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) January 9, 2018
Georgia called offsides on blocked punt but this sure doesnt look he was offsides. #nationalchampionship#godawgs #rolltide #cfbplayoff pic.twitter.com/QkFuzL5huN
— DAN (@danWorthington) January 9, 2018
• TV cameras caugh several missed facemask pulls.
The no-flag play: On a third down run in the third quarter, Georgia running back D'Andre Swift fell short of the marker after he was snagged down. A flag would've kep Georgia's drive alive. The Tide went on to score its first points in the ensuing drive.
• Also in the third quarter, special teams player Mekhi Brown was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct after he struck Georgia’s Walter Grant following a kickoff return.
Mekhi Brown is gonna have to run back to Tuscaloosa if he keeps it up pic.twitter.com/iQwZPPnSfZ
— CFB Gif'er (@CFBgifer) January 9, 2018
The no-flag play: Among the most agregious missed calls was when Alabama linebacker Mack Wilson shoved Jake Fromm's head to the turf after a tackle.
Mack Wilson just shoved Jake Fromm into the ground!!!!!! No call???? Are you kidding me?????
— UGA Recruiting (@UgaRecruitNews) January 9, 2018
How is that not a flag on Mack Wilson?!
— SEC Country (@SEC_Country_) January 9, 2018
How can they not call Mack Wilson for personal foul after he pushes Fromm in the head. #Refs
— Carl Dukes (@putemupcdukes) January 9, 2018
WTH?#NationalChampionship
How is that not a personal foul on Mack Wilson?
— Jason Caldwell (@ITATJason) January 9, 2018
Alas, there’s no disputing the end result.
Game over. @ajc pic.twitter.com/o4SrW2Im6L
— Ben Brasch (@ben_brasch) January 9, 2018
