“Freeze Making Sure The Refs Get Paid”: Fans React as Officials Miss Clear Penalty On Auburn’s DeMarcus Riddick 

Auburn linebacker DeMarcus Riddick found himself at the center of controversy on Saturday night after officials appeared to miss a blatant facemask during the Tigers’ matchup against Baylor.

With 3:05 left in the third quarter, Baylor wide receiver Ashtyn Hawkins hauled in a 13-yard reception and looked ready to break loose when Riddick yanked him down by the mask. Despite visible frustration from the home crowd, no penalty flag came. Moments later, FOX rules analyst Mike Pereira weighed in.

“[Riddick] had a hand around it. He didn’t actually pull it, but he got underneath and then he did grab it and pull it. And, yes, that’s one that should’ve been called. Obviously, replay can’t do anything about this, so it’s just a miss that the officials have to live with,” Pereira explained on the broadcast.

This was not called a facemask penalty 😬😅 pic.twitter.com/lkuSMSrihx

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) August 30, 2025

The no-call lit up social media almost instantly, with Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze catching strays, as fans vented their anger.

One fan wrote, “Freeze making sure the refs get paid so he isn’t fired.”

Another added, “What exactly are the refs looking at? Because it sure ain’t the game.”

Criticism of SEC officiating came quick.

“SEC getting bailed out again,” one fan posted.

Another summed it up as a “Huge miss.”

The tone grew sharper from others who tied the lapse to the SEC.

“SEC refs, not a neutral crew, but SEC crew,” one reaction read.

Another jabbed, “Refs watching a different game apparently.”

The play didn’t result in points for Auburn, but it sure gave them a bad look after the missed call had already taken on a life of its own.

Hugh Freeze’s Auburn Gets Viral Reaction from Basketball Coach Bruce Pearl

Auburn football’s season opener against Baylor wasn’t short on storylines, but it wasn’t just the Tigers’ play on the field that drew attention. Sitting inside McLane Stadium, Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl was caught on camera living every moment alongside Hugh Freeze’s squad, and his reaction went viral.

The SEC Network’s X account shared a clip of Pearl celebrating a big Auburn play. Dressed in bright Auburn orange, he could be seen pumping his arm in the air and shouting in approval as Freeze’s Tigers built momentum against the Bears. On the field, Auburn gave Pearl plenty to cheer for in the first half.

Bruce Pearl in the building cheering on @AuburnFootball 👀

(via @BigBarnerBrand) pic.twitter.com/5Gq3bBgmaf

— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) August 30, 2025

Quarterback Jackson Arnold ran for a 24-yard touchdown, Damari Alston added a score on the ground, and Alex McPherson tacked on a field goal to give the Tigers a 17–10 advantage.

After a frustrating 5–7 campaign last season, Freeze and Auburn are working to flip the script in 2025. Judging by Bruce Pearl’s celebrations in Waco, the Tigers’ start has him believing too.

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