re: how can alabama defend the missed call on the blocked punt?

Let's face it. Football is fertile ground for missed calls. It is, in fact, the most flawed team sport in existence. There is an infraction of some rule on every single snap. That problem has been exacerbated by the implementation of such ridiculous rules as "leaping" penalties and "targeting" penalties. To expect game officials to call a perfect game is absurd. If they did, every play would result in a penalty. If this bothers you, watch baseball or soccer instead.