It was bizarre play and, potentially, had huge ramifications on the outcome of No. 3 Alabama’s game against visiting No. 11 Texas on Saturday night.

With the Longhorns facing a fourth and 1 at the Texas 48 with 3:47 left in the third quarter, they went under center. The ball was snapped, then apparently fumbled behind the line. Texas running back Jonathon Brooks picked up the ball and ran for the first down. However, if the ball is fumbled on fourth down, the ball can’t be advanced by any other player than the one who fumbled the ball.

So what happened?

According to the officials, the quarterback never gained possession of the ball. Therefore, it was a backward pass, which can be advanced. The advancement went beyond the line to gain. So, it was a first down for Texas.

As it turns out, Texas turned the ball over on downs plays later when it couldn’t convert on a fourth-and-2 play.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.