Did Stetson Bennett fumble ball on pivotal Georgia drive vs. Alabama?

Alabama and Georgia waited to produce their first controversial play of Monday’s College Football Playoff championship until perhaps the biggest point in the game.

Facing third-and-8 from his 27, Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett rolled right to avoid pressure from an oncoming Alabama blitz. He appeared to throw the ball away, resulting in an incomplete pass or — at worst — intentional grounding. Except: ACC officials calling the game ruled he had lost control of the ball prior to his arm moving forward, resulting in a fumble recovered by Alabama.

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Here is the play in question:

The play went to review, with officials taking their time to come up with their call. Below is a view of Malachi Moore recovering the ball along the sideline.

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The fumble call was eventually upheld, giving Alabama a first down at the Georgia 16. Five plays later, Alabama quarterback Bryce Young hit tight end Cameron Latu for the Crimson Tide’s first touchdown of the game. Following a failed 2-point conversion, Alabama led 18-13.

Georgia returned the favor on its ensuing drive, as Bennett completed a 40-yard touchdown pass to Adonai Mitchell for his first touchdown of the game. Following a failed 2-point conversion by the Bulldogs, Georgia led 19-18 with 8:09 left to play.