The coaching staff of the James Madison Dukes did their best to correct what they perceived as a massive mistake by the referees in Saturday’s contest against the Utah State Aggies. The unconventional ploy included a support staffer, and later head coach Curt Cignetti, showing a replay on their cell phone.
In the second quarter with 10:29 on the clock, Cignetti was debating an Aggies touchdown call. Utah State kicker Elliot Nimrod ran for 18 yards on a trick play to get his team on the scoreboard.
Great moments in college football pic.twitter.com/mMZQgEb3fs
— Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) September 24, 2023
James Madison’s coaching staff believed that Nimraod stepped out of bounds on the scoring run. An assistant coach approached Cignetti with a cellphone, and the coach grabbed it out of his hands to show the referees.
The gambit, however, did not work. The Utah State touchdown stood.
The play sparked a comeback attempt by the Aggies. Utah State was down 38-17 at the half and eventually tied the game at 38 early in the fourth quarter. However, James Madison went on to win the game, 45-38.
The CFB world was quick to react to the insane move:
Deion got nothing on Curt Cignetti. Not just my coach. America’s coach. https://t.co/qldXRMpbja
— Marbukh (@TheMarbukh) September 24, 2023
Genius. Real time feedback of what you saw, proof pudding right? Get after it coach, this should be legal https://t.co/mB56i2S8vE
— Connor Adams (@CMA1301) September 24, 2023
https://twitter.com/Patrick_KellyII/status/1705971164617564423
HE KEPT THE RECEIPTS! Classic 👏🏻👏🏻 https://t.co/mtYKZcQGEN
— Les B. (@Les_B510) September 24, 2023
Savage 😂😂😂😂 https://t.co/wpNfuDzKFZ
— K.H.T.🎙️🔥 (@official_keith3) September 24, 2023
