CFBSep 26
Colin Simmons celebration penalty keeps Tennessee drive alive
The Texas defensive end’s gesture after a sack gave the Volunteers another opportunity, though Tennessee failed to turn the extended possession into points.
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Flag changes the outcome of a sack
Texas defensive end Colin Simmons drew an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after miming urination following a sack of Tennessee quarterback Faizon Brandon on Saturday at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville. Simmons brought Brandon down for a 16-yard loss in the first half, a play that otherwise would have put Tennessee in position to punt. Instead, the celebration drew a flag and allowed the Volunteers to keep possession while trailing 10-3. The referee identified the gesture as a simulated restroom act. Tennessee used the reprieve to move beyond midfield, but the drive ended without points when a fourth-down pass fell incomplete. That stop kept the penalty from immediately costing Texas on the scoreboard.
Simmons responds without celebrations
Tennessee later drew level on a 56-yard punt return early in the third quarter, finding its breakthrough on special teams rather than on the possession prolonged by Simmons’ penalty. Simmons also made another impact in the third quarter, recording sacks on consecutive plays during a Tennessee drive. He did not celebrate after either sack. The Texas defender is widely viewed as a leading defensive player in the SEC and a potential first-round draft selection. His outing included both disruptive plays against Brandon and a costly gesture that briefly undid the benefit of an earlier sack.
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