Midway through the first quarter of the Sugar Bowl, Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Arian Smith hauled in a 67-yard reception to set the Bulldogs up inside Notre Dame’s 10-yard line. However, a 15-yard sideline interference penalty was assessed to Georgia walk-on Parker Jones for making contact with an official.
Jones was understandably excited during Smith’s big play, but he impeded the referee that was trying to keep up with the play. Jones’ penalty set the Georgia offense back.
The Bulldogs failed to score any points several plays later after Notre Dame defensive back forced a Trevor Etienne fumble on third down.
Jones’ penalty came early in the first quarter when the game was tied 0-0. Georgia needed all the points it could get against Notre Dame. In the end, Georgia ended up losing 23-10 to Notre Dame.
Here’s a look at Jones’ sideline interference penalty. By the letter of the rule, Jones definitely deserved this penalty.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DEVt5bYBRFT/?img_index=2
Parker Jones does not deserve intense criticism for the incident. His penalty did not cost Georgia the game. The Bulldogs did not come within one play of beating Notre Dame.