Washington State cornerback Marcus Strong made a fantastic play to pick off a pass from Iowa State’s Brock Purdy and take it back for six points during the Alamo Bowl on Friday night in San Antonio. It was a terrific read by Strong to jump the route and make a play, and he returned it with ease for the touchdown (and the game’s first score).
Or so it appeared to be a touchdown.
Inside the 20-yard line, Strong looked back at the Iowa State players chasing him and held out the ball celebrating his touchdown. The Alamo Bowl officiating crew threw a flag for taunting, and the touchdown was wiped out, with the ball being placed back at the 20-yard line.
Marcus Strong’s pick six was called back because of taunting. For this.
HOW DARE HE HAVE FUN! pic.twitter.com/FqfUeCDVEH
— Yahoo Sports College Football (@YahooSportsCFB) December 29, 2018
All of the eyerolls. Deion Sanders supported the play, at least.
Marcus Strong u ain’t do nothing wrong my brother. The way u broke on that slant u deserve to look back after u outran everyone! #Truth WASHINGTON STATE!!!!!!!!
— Deion Sanders (@DeionSanders) December 29, 2018
Please make sure Marcus Strong and Washington State got my tweet. Much love to the young fellow. He should’ve high stepped that thang! Lol #Truth
— Deion Sanders (@DeionSanders) December 29, 2018
The football gods at least came through, with Washington State finishing the drive with this touchdown on 3rd-and-12: