A college football player has become an internet sensation for all the wrong reasons after a catastrophic error saw him tackle his own teammate during a crucial bowl game moment.
The Frisco Bowl Fiasco
The shocking incident unfolded during the Frisco Bowl on Tuesday, where the UNLV Rebels were trailing the Ohio Bobcats 17-10 with just five minutes remaining. Desperate for a touchdown, UNLV had a golden opportunity on a third-and-goal play. The plan was for tight end Matt Brynes to clear a path for running back Keyvone Lee.
However, the routine play descended into farce. As the ball was snapped, Brynes, who was in motion, miscalculated his path and collided violently with Lee behind the line of scrimmage, sending the running back flying and wiping out the scoring chance. The embarrassing mix-up was captured on camera and quickly spread across social media.
Aftermath and a Controversial Victory
Cameras cut to a visibly baffled and frustrated UNLV head coach Dan Mullen. Remarkably, the blunder did not end the drive. On the very next play, quarterback Anthony Colandrea scrambled for a two-yard touchdown on fourth down, narrowing the score to 17-10.
Despite this late effort, Ohio controlled the final minutes to secure the victory. The loss was particularly stinging for UNLV's offense, as it marked the first time in 35 games they were held under 20 points, ending the nation's longest active streak.
The win for Ohio was overseen by interim head coach John Hauser. This followed the controversial firing of head coach Brian Smith on December 18th. Ohio University President Lori Stewart Gonzalez alleged in a letter that Smith admitted to extramarital affairs, including one with an undergraduate student. Smith's attorney, Rex Elliott, has vehemently denied the affair accusation, stating the relationship began after Smith had separated from his wife.
A Viral Moment in a Turbulent Season
While Matt Brynes's unfortunate tackle provided a moment of dark comedy for viewers, it underscored a frustrating end to UNLV's season. The play will undoubtedly live on in viral blooper reels, a stark contrast to the serious off-field controversy that preceded the game for the victorious Ohio Bobcats. The Frisco Bowl will be remembered both for a humiliating on-field error and the turbulent coaching saga that framed its conclusion.
