Auburn plays first game with SEC's eight-man officiating crew

AUBURN -- Saturday's game with South Carolina was the first Auburn played with the SEC's eight-man officiating crew this season.

Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said the eight-man crew, led by referee Matt Loeffler, was "like any other crew really."

The eighth official's primary responsibility is to spot the ball on each play and also monitor the play along the line.

"I'm just looking at the (official) behind me instead of the (official) in front of me," Auburn center Reese Dismukes said. "Not really too big of a change. Wasn't a big deal."

Auburn had the eight man crew during its A-Day game in the spring.

It appeared to be a shock to wide receiver Sammie Coates, who accidentally ran into and knocked over Loeffler with 3:54 to go in the first quarter.

SEC coordinator of officials Steve Shaw has been analyzing the conference's eight-man crew and growing increasingly convinced it is the best way to officiate games.