An incredible throw from Garrett Nussmeir and an unbelievable catch from Barion Brown has been erased like it never happened. The LSU Tigers thought they had taken a touchdown lead over Clemson in the third quarter on Saturday night, but the officials had other plans.
With the game tied 10-10, LSU had a 3rd and 11 at the Clemson 29-yard line. Nussmeier placed a beautiful ball down the right side towards the pylon, and Brown made a ridiculous catch to bring it in. The officials originally placed the ball at the one-yard line, saying that Brown caught the ball and went out of bounds before the end zone. But replays showed that Brown indeed went through end zone and the Tigers began celebrating the would-be touchdown.
However, after a lengthy review, the officiating crew ruled that Brown did not maintain possession throughout the process of the catch and ruled it an incomplete pass. The age old question still remains: What is a catch?
The refs totally just got this one wrong. They just screwed over LSU Tigers and I’m actually rooting for Clemson, but that was a touchdown. That was a great throw & catch. Are you kidding me? pic.twitter.com/FtUhiYzG42
— Steve (@spacecoastgolf) August 31, 2025
To make matters worse for LSU, kicker Damian Ramos would miss the ensuing 46-yard field goal, leaving the game tied 10-10. Ramos was even seen hobbling with an apparent injury after the missed kick. It was a serious momentum shift that left LSU fans shaking their hands as Clemson took over on offense.
The controversial decision set social media ablaze, as college football fans across the country acknowledged its absurdity. Even former NFL WR Dez Bryant chimed in, and he knows a thing or two about controversial no-catch calls.
WTF is a catch now days
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) August 31, 2025
LSU fans share Bryant's confusion, and members of the ABC broadcast team even acknowledged that they were unsure of why the call was reversed. It was a frustrating scene for LSU in a massive top-10 matchup on the road.
This complete the catch thing never, ever, EVER makes sense.
— Pete Fiutak (@PeteFiutak) August 31, 2025
LSU RB crosses goal line, hits ground and fumbles ball: touchdown
LSU WR makes catch, crosses goal line, hits ground and technically fumbles ball: NOT a touchdown
How is this not a touchdown? pic.twitter.com/6CEMY49hyX
— TigerDroppings (@TigerDroppings) August 31, 2025
