Did Kirby Smart really just clap? That's the question rocking the college football world after a controversial timeout incident during Georgia's Week 8 game against Auburn. The head coach appeared to be signaling for a timeout late in the fourth quarter, but then vehemently argued to officials that he was simply clapping. The result? Georgia got their timeout back, and the play clock reset, leaving many wondering if some clever maneuvering was at play.
The controversial moment unfolded with 13:06 remaining in the game, with Auburn facing 3rd and 9 on their own 39-yard line. The play clock was dwindling, adding to the pressure. But here's where it gets controversial… Did Smart's actions genuinely warrant a timeout reversal?
The incident has sparked widespread debate, and even caught the attention of Urban Meyer and Rob Stone, hosts of the Triple Option Podcast, along with Mark Ingram. The podcast team didn't hold back, openly mocking Smart's explanation. Stone even playfully requested Meyer to demonstrate the difference between a coach clapping and signaling for a timeout, highlighting the apparent dissimilarity in the gestures.
"Kirby Smart on the sideline trying to say that this (mimics a timeout) is clapping," Stone exclaimed, incredulously. "This is – I don’t hear anything right in my microphone. Do you hear this clapping? What a bunch of B.S."
Ingram chimed in, calling Smart's behavior "crazy." And this is the part most people miss… While Ingram, a former Alabama running back, found the situation amusing, he was arguably pleased that the call went against Auburn, Alabama's arch-rival. Was Ingram's view slightly biased?
Adding another layer to the situation, Georgia's left tackle seemed to false start right before the timeout. Was the false start triggered by the expiring play clock? Or was it prompted by Auburn simulating a clap? Smart hinted at the latter after the game, suggesting some unusual occurrences at Auburn's stadium.
"Hey, man, weird stuff happens in that weird stadium," Ingram remarked, adding fuel to the fire. "Maybe our vision was illusion, a figment of our imagination."
Stone, however, remained skeptical of Smart's clapping claim. But he did commend Smart's tenacity in pleading his case. "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, impressed by Smart's persistence. "Still doing this (mimics clap), doing his theater to anybody who would pay attention."
Smart, attempting to clarify the situation post-game, insisted he wasn't calling a timeout. Instead, he claimed he was trying to alert the officials to Auburn's simulated clap, adding that he was confident his offense would snap the ball in time.
On Monday, Smart reiterated his Saturday statements following the 20-10 victory over Auburn, and emphasized his focus on the upcoming top-10 showdown against Ole Miss. The game is slated for a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff and will be nationally broadcast on ABC.
But let's get real: did Smart genuinely believe his explanation, or was it a masterful attempt to influence the officials? Some argue that coaches often use any means necessary to gain an advantage, while others believe Smart was genuinely trying to communicate about the simulated clap. What do you think? Was it a clever bit of gamesmanship, or a legitimate misunderstanding? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And here's a thought: if the refs hadn't bought Smart's explanation, would the outcome of the game have been different? Let's discuss!
