A controversial moment unfolded during the SEC showdown between Auburn and Georgia, leaving fans and analysts divided. The incident revolves around a timeout call made by Georgia's head coach, Kirby Smart, which sparked a heated debate.
With just over 13 minutes left in the fourth quarter, Smart appeared to call a timeout as the play clock was about to expire. However, he quickly retracted the call, claiming he was merely clapping. This unusual gesture left officials and viewers alike scratching their heads.
The hosts of the Triple Option Podcast, Urban Meyer, Rob Stone, and Mark Ingram, couldn't resist poking fun at Smart's theatrics. Stone challenged Meyer to demonstrate the difference between a clap and a timeout signal, highlighting the ambiguity of Smart's actions.
"Kirby Smart, the master of deception! He tries to convince us that this (mimics a timeout) is just a simple clap. But I'm not buying it!" Stone exclaimed, adding a touch of humor to the controversy.
Mark Ingram, a former Alabama running back, joined in, calling Smart "crazy" for the incident. However, Ingram clarified that he wasn't upset with the officials' decision to side with Georgia, despite his alma mater's rivalry with the Bulldogs.
The play in question involved a potential false start by Georgia's left tackle. Smart suggested that the player might have been distracted by Auburn's simulated clap, leading to the timing issue. Ingram humorously responded, "Weird things happen in that stadium, man. Maybe it was all an illusion!"
Rob Stone, while acknowledging Smart's persistence in getting his point across, remained unconvinced about the clap theory. He praised Smart's theatrical efforts but questioned the validity of his claim.
Smart, in his post-game interview, stood by his decision, insisting he wasn't calling a timeout. He explained that he wanted to draw attention to Auburn's alleged clap simulation, believing his offense would snap the ball on time regardless.
As the debate rages on, the focus now shifts to Georgia's upcoming top-10 matchup against Ole Miss. With kickoff set for 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC, fans eagerly await the next chapter in this ongoing controversy. Will Smart's tactics continue to divide opinions, or will his persistence pay off on the field? Only time will tell.
