Netflix has released a documentary titled It Is Real, which delves into the controversy surrounding the 89th Iron Bowl between Alabama and Auburn, played on November 30, 2024, at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa

Netflix has released a documentary titled It Is Real, which delves into the controversy surrounding the 89th Iron Bowl between Alabama and Auburn, played on November 30, 2024, at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa. The game ended with Alabama securing a 28-14 victory over Auburn, but it has since been marred by allegations of officiating errors that significantly impacted the outcome.

The documentary sheds light on critical officiating mistakes made during the game, which have now led to an NCAA official being found guilty of improper officiating. As a result, the official has been banned from officiating games for the 2025 season. This revelation has sparked significant discussion among fans, analysts, and the college football community about the integrity of officiating in high-stakes matchups.

According to the documentary, several key moments in the game raised concerns. Controversial calls, missed penalties, and questionable decisions by the officiating crew potentially influenced the momentum and final result. Auburn supporters and some analysts have argued that these errors unfairly favored Alabama, leading to frustration among fans and even calls for accountability within the NCAA’s officiating system.

The release of It Is Real has reignited debates about the transparency and fairness of officiating in college football. Many are now questioning whether more oversight and technology, such as expanded replay review systems or independent officiating audits, should be implemented to prevent similar issues in the future.

The NCAA’s decision to ban the official responsible for the controversial calls demonstrates the seriousness of the matter. However, Auburn fans and some experts believe this may not be enough to address the larger concerns surrounding officiating in major games. Some are even calling for further investigations into other games where questionable officiating may have played a role.

Beyond the specific details of the Iron Bowl, the documentary explores the broader implications of officiating errors in college football. It highlights the potential consequences such mistakes can have on teams, players, and fan bases. The controversy surrounding the 2024 Iron Bowl now serves as a case study in how officiating decisions can shape the narrative of a season and even impact a team’s championship hopes.

With It Is Real bringing renewed attention to these issues, it remains to be seen how the NCAA and college football as a whole will address concerns about officiating and game integrity moving forward.