Clemson Tigers trick play
By Arthur Weinstein on

Trick plays are great when they work. They’re fun to watch, and when they lead to a touchdown or other big play, they’re a thing of beauty.

When trick plays don’t work, they can still be fun to watch, even if they’re ugly. The Clemson Tigers tried a trick play Saturday that ended with disastrous results, and led to a South Carolina Gamecocks touchdown.

On a second-quarter kickoff return, Tigers returner Will Shipley received the kick, ran up the field, and met a group of four teammates in a huddle. As defenders closed in, the four Tigers all broke in different directions, with running back Phil Mafah taking the ball and running toward the right sideline.

The play worked, to a certain degree. Mafah gained 19 yards before Gamecocks players surrounded him. Then disaster struck — he fumbled the ball, and South Carolina recovered.

A replay of the trick play somehow makes it look even worse. Mafah even appears to be trying to pass the ball to a teammate.

Four plays later, the Gamecocks scored a touchdown to bring the score to 16-14.

Fans weren’t sure what they had just witnessed.

“The trick part was successful to a degree. The dude just fumbled inexplicably without anyone making contact on the ball,” tweeted Javi Perez.

[The Comeback on Twitter]

About Arthur Weinstein

Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.

View all posts by Arthur Weinstein