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Bret Bielema should have been flagged for taunting South Carolina, per ESPN rules analyst
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Bret Bielema and his Illinois Fighting Illini took on the South Carolina Gamecocks on Tuesday afternoon in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. However, it’s what happened between Bielema and South Carolina’s Shane Beamer in the 3rd quarter that received the most attention.
Beamer became annoyed with Bielema as the Illinois coach took full advantage of substitution rules on defense to milk the play clock away from South Carolina’s offense. Then, in the 3rd quarter, Bielema went over to the South Carolina sideline to check on his injured player and made a gesture that sent Beamer off the rails.
Bielema flashed the substitution signal at Beamer, acknowledging the tactic that had been employed. Shortly after the exchange, ESPN rules analyst Bill LeMonnier was brought in to offer his opinion on the matter.
“What coach did there, it went overboard,” said LeMonnier. “It should have been flagged.”
LeMonnier then clarified that it should have been a taunting penalty. Mark Jones then pointed out the hypocrisy in officiating.
“We’ve seen numerous taunting penalties called quickly against players,” Jones explained. “But at the moment where maybe we needed one against a coach, it didn’t happen.”
The Illini would go on to win 21-17 and end their season with a 10-3 record. This is the first time since 2001 that the Illini have reached double-digit wins. The Gamecocks, meanwhile, end with a 9-4 record and have to be disappointed after narrowly missing out on making the College Football Playoff.
Bryce Lazenby covers college football for Saturday Down South. A Nashville native, his previous stops include FanSided, Dimers, and The Leaf-Chronicle.
