LSU was not called for pass interference during the first quarter of Saturday’s college football game against Auburn. The officials ruled that the pass was uncatchable.
However, a new sideline video proves that it was only uncatchable because the wide receiver was pushed out of bounds.
Two questionable decisions changed the momentum of the college football game. It got out of hand in a hurry.
Did LSU commit pass interference?
This specific play took place with approximately seven minutes remaining in the first quarter. Quarterback Byrum Brown threw a jump ball fade to wide receiver Chas Nimrod in the corner of the end zone. He was guarded by LSU defensive back D.J. Pickett.
Nimrod had a step on Pickett as they crossed the goal line but Pickett turned back around to play the ball as it floated to the sideline. There was contact on the play.
As a result of the contact, Nimrod fell sideways and landed out of bounds. Brown’s pass also landed out of bounds, approximately three yards away from his intended target.
Auburn wanted a pass interference penalty. It did not get one. The pass was ruled incomplete and the Tigers were forced to settle for a field goal instead of a fresh set of downs at the goal line. Head coach Alex Golesh was furious.
Here is how the play looked on the broadcast:
Is this DPI on LSU against Nimrod? pic.twitter.com/nSI2XX27sZ
— gmannVOLS (@gmannVOLS) October 24, 2026
A video filmed from the back corner of the end zone provides even more clarity.
https://t.co/A1u50xK2h2 pic.twitter.com/MjN9f0Xee1
— Christian Clemente (@CClemente247) October 24, 2026
It is true that the pass was uncatchable but Nimrod was not able to make the catch because he was shoved out of bounds by Pickett. I think it was deserving of a flag but the officials did not agree.
Auburn lost all momentum on two questionable officiating decisions.
LSU ultimately went into the locker room with a 21-point lead. Auburn trailed 31-10 at halftime.
Part of the home team’s struggles stemmed from a lack of momentum. A pass interference penalty in the first quarter likely would’ve resulted in a touchdown instead of a field goal. That would’ve been huge.
The (Auburn) Tigers also had an interception overturned during the first half. Here is the replay:
#Auburn just got cheated bad.#LSU threw a interception but it was overturned.
— FirstDownMedia (@FirstDownMediaa) October 24, 2026
The ball can hit the ground as long as you have control and he CLEARLY DOES!! #CFB27 pic.twitter.com/W6onSWy3ZM
Both of these opportunities would’ve swung the pendulum in favor of Auburn. Both plays went in favor of LSU.
Even if the officiating on one or two plays does not change the outcome of a 60-minute game, these two moments would’ve gone a long way in closing the gap. Did the officials get it right? Was Auburn robbed? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!