College Football Playoff semifinal descends into chaos as fans launch trash onto field after controversial penalty call

After a contentious penalty call in the Orange Bowl’s fourth quarter, MAYHEM advanced to the College Football Playoff quarterfinal.

Following a late officiating call during the Fighting Irish’s comeback 27–24 victory over the Penn State Nittany Lions on Thursday night, Notre Dame supporters flung debris into the field.

Near the front of the end zone, with 8:48 minutes remaining in regulation, Penn State quarterback Drew Allar intercepted a ball intended for Tyler Warren and passed it to Jack Kiser of Notre Dame.

Adon Shuler, one of two players who double-covered Warren, was given a pass interference penalty by the referees despite the play seeming like a game-changing turnover.

Fighting Irish supporters threw beer bottles onto the field at Hard Rock Stadium because they were, to put it mildly, unhappy with the result.

A bottle of Michelob Ultra beer in the Hard Rock Stadium end zone was captured on camera by ESPN.

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On the sidelines, Marcus Freeman, the head coach of Notre Dame, even seemed surprised by the call and gestured to the officials.

Nick Singleton, the running back for the Nittany Lions, scored his third rushing touchdown of the game to put his side ahead 24–17 following the brief stoppage.

The live TV segment that showed beer being thrown on the pitch sparked reactions from social media users.

“You know it’s bad if the Irish are throwing their beer,” a person wrote.

“Irish people fighting? Another commented, “More like the crying Irish.”

“Classy bunch” was the third comment.

“Stupid. “Could have resulted in additional penalties for the team,” said a fourth.

Dani Dennis-Sutton of Penn State intercepted Notre Dame’s signal-caller Riley Leonard on a first-and-10 play, setting up Singleton’s score.

The Nittany Lions gained momentum from the referee’s ruling, but it was short-lived as Notre Dame tied the game less than four minutes later with a 54-yard touchdown reception from Jaden Greathouse.

With 47 seconds remaining, Penn State possessed the ball to attempt a game-winning drive after both teams traded punts.

On the second play of the possession, though, Christian Gray viciously intercepted Allar, giving the Fighting Irish excellent field position at the opposing 42-yard line.

College Football Playoff schedule

Games in the first round:

• No. 10 Indiana at No. 7 Notre Dame – Friday, Dec. 20, 8 pm ET, ABC/ESPN
• No. 11 SMU at No. 6 Penn State – Saturday, Dec. 21, 12 pm ET, TNT/Max
• No. 12 Clemson at No. 5 Texas – Saturday, Dec. 21, 4 pm ET, TNT/Max
• No. 9 Tennessee at No. 8 Ohio State – Saturday, Dec. 21, 8 pm ET, ABC/ESPN

Games in the second round:

• No. 3 Boise State vs. No. 6 Penn State – Tuesday, Dec. 31, 7:30 pm ET, ESPN
• No. 4 Arizona State vs No. 5 Texas – Wednesday, Jan. 1, 1 pm ET, ESPN
• No. 1 Oregon vs No. 8 Ohio State – Wednesday, Jan. 1, 5 pm ET, ESPN
• No. 2 Georgia vs No. 7 Notre Dame – *POSTPONED* Thursday, Jan. 2, 4 pm ET, ESPN

The semifinals:

• No. 6 Penn State vs No. 7 Notre Dame – Thursday, Jan. 9, 7:30 pm ET, ESPN
• No. 5 Texas vs No. 8 Ohio State – Friday, Jan. 10, 7:30 pm ET, ESPN

Game of the National Championship:

• Penn State/Notre Dame vs Texas/Ohio State, Monday, Jan. 20, 7:30 pm ET, ESPN

Before Mitch Kicker’s game-winning 41-yard field goal with 26 seconds remaining, Penn State managed to gain 19 yards in six plays.

Notre Dame will have an opportunity to win their first championship since 1988 and their 12th overall.

On January 20, they will play the national championship game against the victor of Friday’s Ohio State vs. Texas contest.

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Simply catch the ball. Regarding his interception, Gray stated, “Just catch the ball.”

“That was going through my mind and I knew I was going to make a play.”