It looked for a moment like LSU was either on the doorstep of taking the lead, or simply just taking the lead immediately.
The Tigers had just connected on a brilliant passing game moment from quarterback Garrett Nussmeier to wide receiver Barion Brown. Brown was ruled out at the 1-yard line, but a replay even looked like Brown may have actually gotten into the end zone for a touchdown to take the lead against Clemson.
But then replay review didn't just change the placement of the catch. It ruled the pass incomplete.
That went against ESPN rules analyst Matt Austin, who said he would've ruled catch and touchdown.
Have a look for yourself:
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
College football insider Nicole Auerbach was one of many who chimed in on X wanting the catch to count simply because it was cool:
cool rule means the catch should count!
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) August 31, 2025
Former NFL safety Ryan Clark, a current ESPN analyst, also weighed in.
That’s a trash call!! Catch LSU! Cmon
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) August 31, 2025
MORE: Florida freshman makes early case for catch of the year
It didn't take long for this play to be compared to the controversial Dez Bryant catch/no-catch for the Cowboys.
This catch no catch shit has to be fixed just use common sense. Shades of dez Bryant in lsu game. Guy catches the ball, crosses the pylon but because the ball moves when he hits the ground it’s imcomplete? Ridiculous. Play should be dead as soon as ball crosses the goal line
— Nate Sharp (@originatesharp) August 31, 2025
The worst part of the failed catch: Two plays later, LSU missed a 46-yard field goal, and the game was still tied 10-10 late in the third quarter Saturday night.
The Bayou Tigers still have a chance against the ACC's Tigers.
It would've been a lot better of an opportunity if the referees had let that incredible catch at some point on the field.
Instead, some controversy to open the season.
MORE: Penn State did something never done before in college football