Kalen DeBoer was visibly frustrated on Alabama's sideline late in the fourth quarter after officials did not call pass interference against Georgia's defense on a deep pass from Keelon Russell intended for Rico Scott.
The third-year Crimson Tide coach, however, did not place the blame for Alabama's 20-17 loss to Georgia on the controversial no-call.
"We can't put the game in the situation where the officials come into play," DeBoer said in his postgame news conference. "We got to control the things we control."
Kalen DeBoer on the Rico Scott non-call pic.twitter.com/D7LhbTR0yw
— Colin Gay (@_ColinGay) October 11, 2026
The no-call on the apparent pass interference was one of the most controversial
moments involving Saturday's officiating crew down the stretch. Russell's pass was broken up by Georgia defensive back KJ Bolden, but replay appeared to show Bolden and fellow defensive back Braylon Conley making contact with Rico Scott during the play, preventing the Alabama receiver from having a realistic opportunity to make the catch. No penalty was called.
Russell was sacked for a loss of 9-yards on the next play, taking Alabama out of field goal range. Asked if he got an explanation on why there was a no-call on the pass interference, DeBoer shrugged.
"I mean, guess (he) didn't feel like it was pass interference. That's all you're going to get," DeBoer said.
Russell took a similar approach as his coach, saying after the game "there were no questionable calls."
#Alabama QB Keelon Russell on the refs tonight:
— Jake Boico (@BoicoJake) October 11, 2026
“There were no questionable calls.” pic.twitter.com/fQPP2lnzKy
Alabama travels to No. 14 Tennessee on Saturday, Oct. 15 for a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What Kalen DeBoer, Keelon Russell said of officiating in Alabama loss
