re: Let me start by saying that

It's clear the refs were out to put a stop to a possible comeback upset against the league's most probable NC this year. They usually do that for Bama, but they know this year's Bama squad is bound to mess up beyond the saving of the refs at least once this year.

These things are facts which cannot be argued. The only thing that can be argued is if Auburn would have scored quick enough after the onside kick to let their defense get a 3 and out, or if Auburn would have needed another onside kick before they scored the tying TD.