It’s often said that football is a game of inches.
In the final seconds of the 2025 Celebration Bowl between South Carolina State and Prairie View A&M, it was more like a game of millimeters.
On what would end up being the game-winning 2-point conversion in the fourth overtime of the Bulldogs’ 40-38 victory against the Panthers, South Carolina State running back Tyler Smith received a pass from Ryan Stubblefield, got tackled by Prairie View A&M defensive back Kamren Amao and just got the ball over the pylon for a successful conversion.
Advertisement
REQUIRED READING: Ranking best, worst Heisman Trophy winners since 2000. Who is No. 1?
The final call, though, was the subject of no shortage of scrutiny and debate, with the call looking just as close on multiple replays from a variety of angles as it did live.
It was ruled as a successful conversion on the field and was upheld after video review. The Panthers were unable to get in the end zone on their 2-point conversion, with quarterback Cameron Peters coughing up the ball as he was being tackled on the 5-yard line to end the game.
The controversial 2-point conversion capped off a frenetic comeback from South Carolina State, which trailed 21-0 at halftime. The Bulldogs rebounded, scoring 21 points in just 6:14 in the third quarter to tie the game. Facing a 35-28 deficit with two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Stubblefield connected with Jordan Smith for a 10-yard touchdown on third-and-6 that sent the game to overtime.
Advertisement
The late score served as a highlight for Jordan Smith in a game in which he had nine catches for 152 yards and two touchdowns.
In a losing effort, Peters threw for 412 yards and four touchdowns.
It was South Carolina State’s second Celebration Bowl victory in the past five years. The Bulldogs lost last season’s game to Jackson State, 28-7.
Prairie View A&M was appearing in its first-ever Celebration Bowl after winning the outright Southwestern Athletic Conference championship for just the second time since 1964. With the loss, the Panthers finished 10-3, their most wins in a season since 1963.
Advertisement
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: South Carolina State wins Celebration Bowl on controversial 2-point play
