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Fiesta Bowl referee gives further explanation on Clemson catch, fumble being overturned
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Kevin Williamson was a referee in the Fiesta Bowl between Ohio State and Clemson. The Tigers went on to win the game 29-23, but there was plenty of drama that took place in the 60 minutes of play.
One play that got everybody talking was when Clemson appeared to have a caught pass that turned into a fumble and it got returned for a touchdown by the Buckeyes’ defense. Many thought that’s what happened, as did the referees on the field during real time.
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However, after further review, the call was changed. There appeared to be clear evidence that the Clemson receiver didn’t maintain possession of the ball to complete the catch, thus ruling the play as an incomplete pass.
Here’s Williamson, explaining the play further:
We just got a ruling about the fumble/incompletion on the Jordan Fuller would-be TD: From ref Kevin Williamson: 1/
— Bill Rabinowitz 🗞 (@brdispatch) December 29, 2019
"After the video, instant replay in the stadium as well as back at the video center, they both looked at it slow and fast and determined that when he moved, the ball was becoming loose in his hands and he did not complete the process of the catch." 2/2
— Bill Rabinowitz 🗞 (@brdispatch) December 29, 2019
Williamson explained it as the ball becoming loose when the receiver moved.
you're telling me that they're gonna overturn this? pic.twitter.com/uL2KWOlgrR
— Land-Grant Holy Land (@Landgrant33) December 29, 2019
Some will look back at the play and think that was the case.
Others, not so much. Many Ohio State fans, players, coaches and even the athletic director have already voiced their displeasure with the call being overturned.
At this point, the game is over and Clemson moves on. Ohio State’s season has come to a close.
Kevin covers Big Ten football for Saturday Tradition.