It's something that has followed top-ranked Alabama throughout the 2018 season — this strange narrative that SEC collusion is involved with the Crimson Tide's ascension to a record-setting level of dominance.

And once again during Saturday's 24-0 win over Mississippi State, national media members shouted for an explanation on social media after the Bulldogs saw a touchdown taken off the board late in the second quarter on an illegal block call near the goal line.

Replay evidence shows the penalty was indeed wrong as Mississippi State receiver Deddrick Thomas didn't touch Alabama's Shyheim Carter, who was trying to tackle Kylin Hill on a well-executed 11-yard screen pass from Nick Fitzgerald.

After the penalty for the illegal block, the Bulldogs endured a delay of game flag and Fitzgerald was sacked on the ensuing third-and-long play. Jace Christmann's 41-yard field goal try went wide as time expired in the second quarter keeping Alabama's shutout intact.

Here's some of the hottest takes from national and local media members following the momentum-changing call from the officials: