USC football screwed out of first touchdown of the 2020 season (Video)

Sep 29, 2018; Tucson, AZ, USA; Southern California Trojans running back Vavae Malepeai (29) against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 29, 2018; Tucson, AZ, USA; Southern California Trojans running back Vavae Malepeai (29) against the Arizona Wildcats at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

USC football should have had their first touchdown of 2020 on a Vavae Malepeai dive, but refs called a questionable fumble at the goal line.

USC football came millimeters away from scoring their first touchdown of the 2020 season, but video review failed the Trojans.

Vavae Malepei got a handoff at the goal line and lunged forward for the goal line. When the ball slipped from his fingers ASU recovered in the endzone and received the ball at the 20 yard line.

Should it have been ruled a fumble in the first place?

Video showed the call was at least questionable as Malepeai may have still had possession when the ball crossed the goal line. His fingers appeared to cling to the ball before he hit the ground and the ball came loose.

Unfortunately, there wasn’t much better video than that. If there was evidence of the ball being in or out of his grip, it wasn’t shown.

Here’s as close as it comes to definitive proof:

https://twitter.com/TrojansWire/status/1325128865572777985

With the call on the field ruling it a fumble, it was tough for the replay booth to overturn the call. It’s safe to say if the refs would have ruled the play touchdown, that play would have stood as well.

USC football and ASU traded gaffs early in the season opener

Had USC scored the touchdown there, it would have been because of a costly muffed punt by former Trojan Jack Jones. He dropped his first return of the season to give the Trojans a second chance at scoring points.

ASU took an early lead on a field goal after quarterback Jayden Daniels pulled away for a long gain on a scramble.

USC’s offense was still trying to find their groove in the first quarter. A turnover certainly didn’t help.

At least Stephen Carr came up with a better outcome at the goal line on the next drive. He punched in USC’s first TD to make it 7-3.

USC's Mount Rushmore of WRs. Next