SEC says No. 17 Tennessee's onside kick against top-ranked Texas should have been a penalty

Tennessee’s onside kick that helped fuel its late comeback versus No. 1 Texas was officiated incorrectly, the Southeastern Conference said. The league said the kick with 1:22 remaining on Saturday should have been marked for a five-yard penalty and the down replayed because the ball was not kicked from the 35-yard line. The SEC also said the ball should not have been moved once officials deemed it ready for play. Tennessee coach Josh Heupel said the team would adjust, noting earlier communication with the league. Tennessee had narrowed the gap to 20-17 after a 30-yard touchdown pass from Faizon Brandon to Mike Matthews. Punter Jackson Ross recovered the onside kick but Tennessee couldn’t score again as Texas held on 20-17.