Skip to main content
SI

Fans Rip Officials Overturning Near Touchdown Pass for LSU vs. Clemson

The referees controversially overturned LSU WR Barion Brown's catch versus Clemson.
Eva Geitheim|
Officials controversially called back LSU wide receiver Zavion Thomas's catch versus Clemson.
Officials controversially called back LSU wide receiver Zavion Thomas's catch versus Clemson. | ESPN/ABC

In this story:

LSU TigersClemson Tigers

A potential LSU touchdown pass was controversially overturned during their game against Clemson on Saturday night in Death Valley. In the primetime showdown between No. 9 LSU and No. 4 Clemson with the game tied 10-10, LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier appeared to complete a pass down the field to wide receiver Barion Brown on 2nd-and-11 in the third quarter. The play was initially ruled first-and-goal at the one-yard line, but went under review to see if Brown had actually gone in for a touchdown.

Rather than declaring the play a touchdown, the pass was surprisingly called incomplete as Brown lost possession of the football at the end of the catch.

The call not only cost LSU a touchdown, but a massive opportunity to take the momentum and lead in the game. LSU got the ball after intercepting Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik, and seemingly converted that to a touchdown, or at least a first-and-goal opportunity. Instead, they had to settle for a field goal attempt, which was missed.

Clemson got the ball back after the field goal and punted, and LSU then capitalized with a touchdown to take a 17-10 lead. However, the lead could have potentially been 24-10 had Brown's catch not been shockingly overturned.

The call by the officials upset fans and viewers watching the game, with many believing the play was clearly a catch.

More College Football on Sports Illustrated

Add us as a preferred source on Google
Published | Modified
Eva Geitheim
EVA GEITHEIM

Eva Geitheim is an NFL writer at Sports Illustrated. Prior to joining SI in December 2024, she wrote for Newsweek, Gymnastics Now and Dodgers Nation. A Bay Area native, she has a bachelor’s in communications from UCLA. When not writing, she can be found baking or rewatching Gilmore Girls.

Home/College Football