Officiating in South Carolina-LSU game deemed one of the worst of 2024, altering season

In a live update on the ongoing buzz around South Carolina’s heartbreaking 2024 game against LSU, Pete Nakos of On3 spotlighted the officiating as one of the worst of the season. Specifically, Nakos highlighted the controversial unnecessary roughness call on Kyle Kennard, which wiped out Nick Emmanwori’s 100-yard pick-six—a play that would have likely sealed the victory for the Gamecocks. This call, which Nakos placed at number two on his list of the worst officiating decisions of 2024, was deemed the most egregious of the regular season.

For those who may not recall, South Carolina was up 33-29 with just over six minutes remaining in the game. LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier threw an interception to All-American safety Nick Emmanwori, thanks to pressure from Kyle Kennard and Dylan Stewart. Emmanwori returned the interception for a touchdown, but a flag for Kennard’s “two-handed shove” on Nussmeier nullified the score. Despite the block being harmless, Nussmeier theatrically flopped to the ground, and the penalty call followed.

While South Carolina still retained possession after the interception, the points were erased, and they were pushed back to their own 10-yard line. Unable to capitalize on the field position, LSU then drove down the field and scored the game-winning touchdown with just a minute left.

However, Nakos’ criticism doesn’t stop there. In the first half, LaNorris Sellers threw an interception in the end zone but was hit in the head during the process. The play should have triggered a roughing the passer penalty, but instead, LSU took over possession. On another drive, a South Carolina defensive touchdown was also negated when Kennard was flagged for a horse collar tackle on Nussmeier—a penalty stemming from a new rule implemented in 2024, which applies to the tackle box as well. While the penalty was technically correct, many argue that it was an odd application of the rule.

Late in the fourth quarter, with the game still in reach, backup quarterback Robby Ashford hit Dalevon Campbell for a massive 43-yard gain. The play should’ve given South Carolina fresh downs, a chance to add points, and valuable time off the clock. But another questionable call, a phantom offensive pass interference on Mazeo Bennett, negated the gain and stalled the drive.

Amidst all the oddities in officiating that day, the play involving Kennard and Emmanwori stands out, not just for its significance in the game, but for its far-reaching implications. Had the pick-six stood, it would’ve made a comeback for LSU almost impossible, and the Gamecocks would have likely secured a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff.

South Carolina ultimately missed out on the playoff by a slim margin. When Clemson beat SMU in the ACC Championship, SMU was selected over South Carolina, Alabama, Ole Miss, and Miami. With a 10-2 record, many believe Shane Beamer’s squad would have made the cut had they defeated LSU.

The lasting impact of that penalty, not just on the game but on South Carolina’s entire season, is why Nakos included it as one of the most memorable and costly officiating errors of 2024. In fact, only a missed targeting call in the CFP quarterfinals against Arizona State ranked higher in Nakos’ list.