Why do college football fans litter the field?

Why do college football fans litter the field?

That’s the million dollar question, as for the fourth week in a row, a controversial call in a college football game has led to a shower of trash on the field of play.

In Texas’ 30-15 loss to Georgia in Week 8, fans threw water bottles into the stands after Texas quarterback Jahdae Barron was flagged for pass interference while sacking Carson Beck late in the third quarter. The iffy penalty went against the ban, which angered fans in the north-east corner of the stadium, and they retaliated by pelting the pitch with water bottles. This caused a long delay in action and led to Longhorns coach Steve Sarkasian coming to the student section and asking them to stop.

“I think we were all upset at the time, and I think we all have to use better judgment in times like that,” Sarkasian said after the game.

The refs then overturned the call, an unusual move that upset Georgia head coach Kirby Smart.

The SEC later announced that Texas had been fined $250,000 for game interference in violation of its sportsmanship, game management and alcohol possession policies.

It was the same story in Columbus, Ohio, the following week. This time, it came to Ohio Stadium, where Buckeye fans threw water bottles onto the field following a questionable goal call that cost the Buckeyes late in the team’s 21-17 win over Nebraska.

With Ohio State clinging to the lead late in the fourth quarter, linebacker Arvell Reese rocked Nebraska wide receiver Jahmal Banks with a huge hit. Banks then fumbled the ball, which was recovered by Ohio State. However, the refs called the pass incomplete and flagged Reese for targeting. Reese didn’t lead with his helmet, though his forearm did touch Banks’ helmet. The play was then reviewed, and the officials reversed their call to rule that Bank’s catch was a catch but upheld the correct call.

After the announcement, Ohio State coach Ryan Day lost his cool, throwing his angry headset and screaming at the official. You’ve been tested for a side warning.

At that moment — after the officials had already made their final decision — Ohio State fans began throwing objects toward the field.

The Cornhuskers couldn’t capitalize after the call. Their drive came to an end when Nebraska freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola threw a touchdown with 1:16 left in the game, sealing the victory for Ohio State.

Later that week, Ohio State filed an appeal and the NCAA overturned Reese’s call, thus allowing Reese to play in the first half of Ohio State’s next game at Penn State.

In Week 10, the Clemson faithful was the next group of fans to get in on the action. In the fourth quarter of their blowout by Louisville, the Tigers attempted an offside kick while trailing 26-14. It looked like they recovered the ball, but the officials awarded it to Louisville. After updating, the game stopped. After that, the fans started shouting and threw water bottles and other rubbish at the stadium, and they almost hit the fans during the process.

The Cardinals scored a touchdown one play later, clinching what ended up being a 33-21 win.

In Week 11, LSU fans picked up what their SEC counterparts in Texas started. In the big contest against Alabama, the visitors to Death Valley were already on edge because of the scoreboard: the Tigers were trailing the Tide 21-6 midway through the third quarter. Then, LSU was called for a 15-yard facemask penalty on third down after sacking quarterback Jalen Milroe. That got the Tide off to a good start, and later they scored.

The home crowd, as well as LSU coach Brian Kelly, disagree with this call. When Kelly tried to plead with the management, fans bombarded the stadium with water bottles.

ESPN/ABC broadcaster Chris Fowler called it a “copycat situation,” as LSU fans covered their heads with signs to protect themselves.

“It’s just a shame for LSU. It’s a shame for college football,” analyst Kirk Herbstreit said on the radio. “Of course, all over the country. Enough.”

Herbstreit’s comments echoed Raiola’s sentiments following Nebraska’s loss to Ohio State in Week 9.

“Bottles are being thrown, I don’t know, it feels like it doesn’t respect football and its kind,” said Raiola.

It also seems to be becoming an unfortunate trend throughout college football.

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