The replay booth was not kind to the Buckeyes on Saturday night, and Ohio State athletic director Gene Smith was far from pleased.
Two game-changing calls went against the Buckeyes after a replay review on Saturday night, one resulting in a player ejection and the other in an Ohio State touchdown being taken off the board.
After the game, Smith was quick to share his thoughts on the situation with a couple reporters.
If you watch any of the games that I call you know that I feel CFB replay is broken and the lack of consistency is troubling at best
— Joel Klatt (@joelklatt) December 29, 2019
Just spoke with @OhioStateFB Athletics Director Gene Smith and he is livid with what he feels like was clear overreach from replay tonight
The call that seemed to draw Smith's ire the most was the overturned fumble late in the third quarter. Clemson receiver Justyn Ross appeared to make a catch and lose the ball after gaining possession and taking at least three steps, and Ohio State safety Jordan Fuller picked it up and returned it for a touchdown.
But after a review from the booth, the call was changed to an incomplete pass.
This was originally called a catch and fumble return TD, but was overturned as an incomplete pass. #CFBPlayoff pic.twitter.com/3RxiGYTvCv
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) 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 they determined when he moved, the ball was becoming loose in his hands and he did not complete the process of the catch," referee Ken Williamson said after the game.
Smith disagreed with that assessment, and used the opinion of veteran NFL referee Terry McAulay for support.
Just got a text from Ohio State AD Gene Smith: "Terry McAulay is 100-percent correct!!! Unreal!!" He added: "Feel free to share how pissed I am." https://t.co/mVcsabPYFf
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) December 29, 2019
Ultimately, Ohio State fell to Clemson 29-23, ending its undefeated season in the College Football Playoff semifinals. Smith's displeasure will not change that, but it isn't stopping him from speaking his mind and fighting on behalf of his team.
