Did Kirby Smart really try to fake a clap to avoid a costly timeout? That's the question buzzing around the college football world after a bizarre incident during Georgia's Week 8 game against Auburn. And it's not just fans scratching their heads. Even broadcast personalities like Urban Meyer and Rob Stone are weighing in, and they're not holding back their skepticism. But here's where it gets controversial: Was it a clever coaching move, a flat-out attempt to deceive the officials, or something else entirely?
The perplexing moment unfolded late in the fourth quarter with just over 13 minutes remaining. Auburn had the ball on 3rd and 9 at their own 39-yard line, and the play clock was dwindling. What happened next is up for debate. Smart appeared to signal for a timeout. However, the timeout was seemingly waved off after Smart vehemently argued to the officials that he was merely clapping, not calling for a timeout. Incredibly, the officials sided with Smart, giving Georgia their timeout back and resetting the play clock.
The incident quickly became a hot topic, and the hosts of the "Triple Option" podcast - Urban Meyer, Rob Stone, and Mark Ingram - didn't miss the opportunity to dissect Smart's sideline antics. Stone even playfully challenged Meyer to demonstrate the difference between a coach clapping and signaling for a timeout, highlighting the apparent difference in the gestures.
"Kirby Smart on the sideline trying to say that this (mimics a timeout signal) is clapping," Stone quipped. "This is – I don't hear anything right in my microphone. Do you hear this clapping? What a bunch of B.S."
Ingram, a former Alabama running back, chimed in, calling Smart "crazy" for the incident. But here's the kicker: Ingram wasn't necessarily upset that the officials ruled in favor of Georgia, despite the fact that it was against Alabama's arch-rival. Perhaps a little SEC camaraderie overriding the usual rivalry tensions?
Adding another layer of intrigue to the situation, Georgia's left tackle seemed to potentially false start during the play. The question is, did he jump because the play clock was running out, or was he reacting to a simulated clap from the Auburn sideline, as Smart later suggested?
Ingram jokingly added, "Hey, man, weird stuff happens in that weird stadium. Maybe our vision was illusion, a figment of our imagination." The comment served as a humorous acknowledgement of the unusual circumstances surrounding the play.
Stone, while clearly amused by the situation, remained skeptical of Smart's explanation. And this is the part most people miss: he did acknowledge Smart's persistence in arguing his case with the officials. “I love the fact that while the officials were having this conversation – what the hell is going on, that Kirby was out on the field,” Stone said. “Still doing this (mimics clap), doing his theater to anybody who would pay attention.”
After the game, Smart attempted to clarify the situation, stating that he wasn't calling a timeout but rather trying to alert the officials to the alleged simulated clap by Auburn. He also expressed confidence that his offense would've gotten the snap off in time, making a timeout unnecessary.
On Monday, Smart reiterated his stance, emphasizing his focus on the upcoming top-10 showdown against Ole Miss. But the question remains: Did Smart pull off a clever bit of gamesmanship, or did he get away with something more questionable? Some might argue that in the heat of the moment, coaches are expected to do whatever it takes to gain an advantage. Others might see it as a violation of the spirit of the game.
What do you think? Was Smart justified in his actions, or did he cross a line? And more importantly, should officials be more discerning in such situations? Sound off in the comments below!
