LIVE REPORT: Controversial Call Against South Carolina Makes Waves in 2024 Season Review
South Carolina football fans are still reeling from the Gamecocks’ 2024 showdown with LSU—a game that not only ended in heartbreak but ultimately cost USC a spot in the College Football Playoff. Now, months later, national attention has turned to the officiating decisions from that game, with On3’s Pete Nakos ranking one call as among the worst of the season.
Nakos specifically highlighted a highly questionable unnecessary roughness call against Kyle Kennard, which erased what could have been a game-sealing 100-yard pick-six by Nick Emmanwori. The controversial flag has now been named No. 2 on Nakos’ list of the “Worst Officiating Calls of the 2024 College Football Season.”
For those trying to forget the moment, here’s a painful recap: South Carolina led LSU 33-29 with just over six minutes to play. With Garrett Nussmeier and the Tigers driving, the All-American safety Emmanwori stepped up, intercepting a pass near the goal line and racing 100 yards to the end zone. Thanks to relentless pressure from Kennard and fellow EDGE rusher Dylan Stewart, Nussmeier had to release the ball quickly, leading to the costly turnover.
As Emmanwori sprinted down the field, Kennard executed what appeared to be a routine block on Nussmeier—a simple two-handed shove to the chest. However, the LSU quarterback flopped dramatically, remaining motionless on the field. The referees wasted no time, throwing a flag that not only negated the touchdown but also pinned USC deep in their own territory at the 10-yard line. Unable to capitalize, the Gamecocks failed to score, and LSU marched downfield to take the lead with just over a minute left.
While that call alone was enough to make Nakos’ list, it wasn’t even the only controversial decision that day.
Earlier in the game, Gamecocks quarterback LaNorris Sellers threw an interception in the end zone, but not before taking a clear hit to the head. What should have been a roughing the passer penalty—a 15-yard infraction that would have kept the USC drive alive—was ignored, and LSU took possession instead.
Adding to the frustration, another South Carolina defensive touchdown was wiped off the board when Kennard was flagged for a questionable horse-collar tackle on Nussmeier. While the play was technically legal under a newly implemented rule, the decision sparked debate over whether the rule should apply to quarterbacks in the pocket.
As if that weren’t enough, late in the 4th quarter, just before Emmanwori’s negated pick-six, the Gamecocks were robbed of another huge play. Backup quarterback Robby Ashford connected with wide receiver Dalevon Campbell for a 43-yard gain, setting up USC in prime position to extend their lead and run out the clock. Instead, officials called a phantom offensive pass interference penalty on Mazeo Bennett, a call that analysts and fans alike have since called into question.
In the end, South Carolina’s loss to LSU had far-reaching consequences. While it’s impossible to know how things would have played out with a victory, many believe that the loss kept the Gamecocks out of the new 12-team College Football Playoff. When Clemson won the ACC Championship, the final playoff spot went to SMU, leaving South Carolina, Alabama, Ole Miss, and Miami on the outside looking in.
Nakos ranked the Emmanwori/Kennard penalty as the second-worst officiating decision of 2024, trailing only a missed targeting call in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal between Texas and Arizona State.
For Gamecocks fans, the officiating in that game will be remembered not just as a bad call, but as a decision that changed the course of their season.
