"Kirby Smart is paying refs again": CFB fans torch SEC referees after questionable call on Florida as massive controversy erupts in Florida game

Fans are angered and upset after a questionable call by the referees in favor of Kirby Smart during the Georgia vs Florida showdown on Saturday. During a third-and-four play in the fourth quarter, DJ Lagway found WR J. Michael Sturdivant with a deep ball down the field.

However, according to the officials, the pass hit the ground before Sturdivant could catch it. This resulted in it being ruled as an incompletion. The officials upheld the call even after a review of the play.

Fans on social media called out the SEC refs for making decisions that were favorable for Smart and his team.

"Kirby Smart paid off the refs again," one fan commented. "No coach in America gets bailed out by the refs quite like Kirby Smart," another fan said. "SEC refs are Georgia fans. Kirby Smart is a mafia don. S**t is distrubing," this fan stated. "KIRBY SMART IS PAYING REFS AGAIN. THAT WAS A CATCH ANYDAY OF THE WEEK," another fan wrote. "Catch all day unless you're playing Georgia of course," one fan said. "Wow one of the worst calls I've ever seen in my life that's a clear catch. Kirby Smart has the refs in his pocket," this fan commented.

The game ended with the No.5 Georgia Bulldogs securing a 24-20 victory over the unranked Florida Gators. Smart's team was trailing by three points (20-17) in the fourth quarter. However, RB Chauncey Bowens' 38-yard rushing touchdown, followed by Peyton Woodring's successful extra point conversion attempt, sealed the victory for their team.

Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton completed 20 of 29 passes for 223 yards and two total touchdowns. On the other hand, DJ Lagway completed 15 of 24 passes for 166 yards and one passing touchdown.

Smart and his team are 7-1 after Saturday's victory with a four-game winning streak under their belt.

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Kirby Smart praises Florida coach Billy Napier after Saturday's victory

In the post-game press conference, the Georgia coach took a moment to praise Billy Napier, who was fired on Oct. 19 after a 3-4 start to the season. Smart said that the ex-coach built a roster with talented players and praised them for their efforts on the field on Saturday.

"First of all, I want to give a of credit to Napier who's assembled this roster, and he's got a bunch of good, tough, physical players," Smart said. "That's one of the biggest defensive line, offensive line we've played against and they match us very well from a physical standpoint. "They're hard to defend. They did a good job upfront stopping things and made it tough. ...

The Georgia Bulldogs face Mississippi State next Saturday at noon ET.

Edited by Priyam Hazarika