ESPN analyst David Pollack spent some time rewatching games from the weekend and one takeaway he had from LSU vs. South Carolina involved the officiating.
More specifically, an unnecessary roughness penalty assessed on South Carolina at a key moment of the game shouldn’t have been called, he said.
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“What the heck is going on with the roughing the passers?” Pollack said. “They make an unbelievable play, (Kyle) Kennard gets to him and hits him, basically forces an INT, forces him to throw the football. Then he touches him. Like he gives him a little touch and it’s a 15-yard penalty. I’m not sure what you want him to do.”
The play in question occurred midway through the fourth quarter, with South Carolina protecting a 33-29 lead.
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LSU was driving, having taken over in USC territory after a Robby Ashford fumble. On third-and-11, quarterback Garrett Nussmeier dropped back to pass. He scanned the field and had to unload quickly, with Kennard closing him down.
As he did so, defensive back Nick Emmanwori picked him off. Only officials flagged Kennard for unnecessary roughness, a penalty that cost the Gamecocks half the distance to the goal. They’d punt it away four plays later.
So while the outcome didn’t necessarily shift on the call, it certainly could have. It definitely cost South Carolina some field position, at the very least.
The Gamecocks would eventually cough up the lead, leading to a 36-33 win for the Tigers.
But Pollack came away impressed by South Carolina.
“South Carolina fans, I would be happy where I’m at,” Pollack said. “LaNorris Sellers, if he doesn’t get hurt, that might be a different game, too. First game without the specs, kudos. He had the contact lenses and he was making big plays with his feet. He was making enough plays with his arm. If I’m a South Carolina fan I feel like I let one get away, but I also see young talent on my team making plays, transfer portal making plays. So I think I’m still very optimistic if I’m a South Carolina Gamecock.”
He also had positive things to say about LSU. In particular, he praised Nussmeier, who was beaten up pretty good during the game by the South Carolina defensive front.
“Garrett Nussmeier, tip of the cap, sir. Like, I love you,” Pollack said. “Because what you just did in that environment; he got smacked around early. They got smacked around early. South Carolina blocked a punt, turned them over, everything going that way and he slowly just took them back down the field. Got hit a bunch.
“LSU coaching staff, I’ve got to give a lot of credit to their OC, man. Rolling the pocket, half rolls. Getting the running game involved. Doing a really good job getting the football out of his hands quickly. He was getting hit early and they had answers to the test.”
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