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Officials controversially reverse call, give South Carolina ball off of fumble vs. Clemson

Matt Connollyby: Matt Connolly11/30/24MattConnollyOn3
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney yelling at an official during the South Carolina game (Photo: Chris Gillespie | GamecockCentral.com)
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney (Photo: Chris Gillespie | GamecockCentral.com)

The South Carolina–Clemson game had some controversy in the third quarter. The Tigers were already leading 14-7 and driving when they decided to use some trickeration.

Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik slipped as he took the snap and pitched the ball back to running back Phil Mafah. Mafah also slipped as he tried to toss the ball to receiver Bryant Wesco on a trick play. It was originally ruled that Mafah was down. However, replay showed that Mafah never controlled the ball before pitching it backwards.

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The play was originally not reviewed, but the replay officials buzzed to review right at the snap was happening. You can check out the controversial play below:

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Clemson coach Dabo Swinney was asked about the play after the game and made it clear that he didn’t agree with the call.

“There were several questionable things out there today, but we still had plenty of opportunities to win the game. … All the reviews went against us today,” Swinney said.

The play ended up being costly as South Carolina went on to escape with a 17-14 victory. Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers was huge in the win, rushing for 166 yards and two touchdowns, including the game winner.

South Carolina coach Shane Beamer made the case for him to be in the Heisman discussion after the game.

“LaNorris Sellers is the best player in the country,” Shane Beamer said. “And all you media people who vote on the Heisman, if you’re not voting for that guy in the midst of the Heisman Trophy you’re out of your minds.

“Like name a player in the country that’s done more than that kid has this year, particularly today. In the environments that he’s done it in, in the moments that he’s done it in. I mean he put our team on his back today. … What a performance to third-and-forever down there on that last drive and him to do what he did. He’s special.”