Jimbo Fisher Lays Into ACC Officials After Losing To Clemson [Update]

Third-ranked Clemson rallied late to edge No. 12 Florida State Saturday night, 37-34, and stay undefeated. FSU head football coach Jimbo Fisher wasn’t upset with the Tigers as much as he was at the penalties called by ACC officiating.

One of the specific plays that angered Fisher was a flag on FSU fullback Freddie Stevenson on a Dalvin Cook run. Officials flagged Stevenson for an illegal block below the waist on Clemson defensive back Van Smith. Here’s a replay:

Fisher protested, and FSU’s bench earned a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct. The offense went from a first-and-10 situation with a gain, to first and 25 on its own 10-yard line. FSU’s drive ended with a punt, and Clemson scored a field goal on the next drive to take a 29-28 lead.

After the game, Fisher vented. “It’s ridiculous,” he said. “It’s not a chop. It was not a chop. And I’mma tell you what: You hold coaches accountable, players accountable—hold the damn officials accountable.” The coach complained about overall quality of the game’s officiating:

In total, the Seminoles collected 13 penalties for 111 yards. Fisher’s rage won’t change the outcome of the game, but it might get him fined. He seems okay with that possibility.

Update (5:54 p.m. ET): The ACC has fined Florida State $20,000 for Fisher’s comments.