An already disappointing season somehow reached a whole new low for the Clemson Tigers on Saturday afternoon. But instead of Dabo Swinney or Garrett Riley or Cade Klubnik, fans now have a whole new scapegoat to direct their anger towards: the officials.
And in their defense, it sure does seem like Clemson had an upset win over Duke ripped out of their hands. The Blue Devils trailed by a touchdown in the game’s final minute, facing a fourth and 10 at the Tigers 18-yard line. Clemson’s defense heated up Darian Mensah, forcing a wild prayer of a throw off his back foot. The ball fell harmlessly to the ground, not particularly close to any Duke receiver and the party began … until everyone noticed that a flag had landed on the field.
To the bafflement of just about everyone in the stadium, the officials had called defensive pass interference on Avieon Terrell. Despite the fact that it was Duke’s receiver who pretty much tackled Brown trying to get to the ball. See for yourself…