LSU Tigers & Garrett Nussmeier defeat Clemson despite one of the worst calls in history of college football making it a close game
Barion Brown made most impressive “incompletion” of the year that would have crushed Clemson completely
The LSU Tigers started a season 1-0 for the first time since 2019 (when they won the national championship). Garrett Nussmeier played well. The defense shut down Cade Klubnik and Clemson’s entire offense for the majority of the game. The Tigers won, 17-10, and Brian Kelly got the massive monkey off his back.
However, LSU should have completely blown Clemson out. Unfortunately, the referees ruined what could have been a true “statement” blowout win since they stripped transfer wide receiver Barion Brown of what would have been a go-ahead touchdown.
Barion Brown was completely robbed of a TD, and it could have cost LSU the game against Clemson
It was late in the third quarter. LSU’s defense had just picked off Klubnik around midfield, putting Nussmeier and the offense in a great position to take the lead. The Tigers quickly racked up 25 yards, pushing the ball inside the Clemson 30-yard line. Brown beat press coverage off the line to run a perfect fade. Nussmeier dropped an absolute dime in front of the pylon. Brown caught the ball for a touchdown! Or did he?
You can see the play in slow motion for yourself below, but the result was absolutely mind-boggling, regardless of which team you were rooting for in this game. Initially, the referee somehow ruled Brown down at the one-yard line despite clearly running into the pylon with his back leg after already crossing the goal line. Then, after the play was reviewed, the referees wildly ruled the clear reception incomplete, completely confusing the live broadcasters and rules analysts covering the game live.
Clear control. Step in bounds. Stepped out with second foot. Brown never lost control of the ball at all until he took a dive to the ground to stop his momentum. Just complete incompetence on the part of the referees.
Shortly after this play, LSU failed to convert on its next set of downs, then missed a field goal, resulting in a completely empty drive.
Fortunately enough for Kelly and LSU, their 6-7 tight end, Trey’Dez Green, mossed 5-10 cornerback Avieon Terrell on the next drive, giving the Tigers what would eventually be the final necessary lead to win the game. However, had Brown’s touchdown not been wrongly nullified, LSU would have coasted to victory, scoring at least 24 points to Clemson’s 10.
Brown still finished with five receptions, but his game would have looked a whole lot more impressive had his “incompletion” rightfully counted. Brown proved to be one of Nussmeier’s favorite weapons on the night, and LSU’s deep receiving option group (at WR and TE) looks extremely promising, seeing as four different players logged at least five receptions. Hopefully, moving forward, the referees will simply count all the touchdowns, and LSU’s offense should be in good shape.
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