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Ref Explains Reason Behind Overturning Controversial Clemson Fumble That Would've Been Ohio State TD

By Sean Facey

The referees from the Fiesta Bowl didn't think Justyn Ross had possession on his overturned fumble.
The referees from the Fiesta Bowl didn't think Justyn Ross had possession on his overturned fumble. / Norm Hall/Getty Images

Clemson walked away with the win over Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl, but it was an overturned fumble call that ended up stealing the show. Tigers wide receiver Justyn Ross hauled in a pass from quarterback Trevor Lawrence before seemingly fumbling.

The loose ball was scooped up by Ohio State and returned for a touchdown that would have given the Buckeyes a 23-21 lead.

The call on the field was overturned after replay review, though, and now the officials have explained why.

When asked about why the call was reversed, referee Ken Williamson said "the player did not complete the process of the catch, so, therefore, the pass was incomplete."

He also added that "when he moved, the ball was becoming loose in his hands and he did not complete the process of the catch."

But spectators feel otherwise. Ross seemed to be in full control of the ball before it spun loose and into the teeth of the Buckeyes defense.

It's a reversed call that will now live in infamy in the minds of college football fans everywhere. Instead of Ohio State taking the lead and swinging momentum in their favor on the scoop-and-score, Clemson kept the ball and ultimately held onto the game.