The Texas Longhorns drew one of the strangest — and possibly one of the most “idiotic” — penalty calls you’ll see in a college football game in Saturday’s matchup vs. No. 14 Tennessee.
In the second quarter with Tennessee driving and looking to tie the game, Texas’ star pass rusher Colin Simmons appeared to come up with a huge play on 3rd-and-13, sacking the quarterback to seemingly end the Volunteers’ drive.
That was, until his post-play celebration.
Simmons was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct, but it wasn’t until the game’s official announced the penalty call that it became totally clear why Simmons drew the call.
“Unsportsmanlike conduct, defense No. 1,” the white-hat official explained. “For simulating using the restroom.”
It’s an odd call, but upon further review … yeah, it’s hard to argue that Simmons wasn’t doing exactly that.
The penalty gave the Tennessee offense a fresh set of downs and extended the drive even further.
“Just an absolutely idiotic move by Colin Simmons,” ABC booth analyst Kirk Herbstreit said after the play. “What’s supposed to be one of the leaders of this defense, and you’ve got them in a 4th-and-29. [Would have gotten] great field position.”
Simmons is the star of Texas’ defense and widely projected as a first-round NFL pick next April. He entered Saturday with two sacks (and added another two against the Vols) and a forced fumble so far this season.