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Clemson star running back Will Shipley was seen in a heated exchange with a staff member on the sidelines during the Tigers‘ most recent win. After a CU touchdown drive, the rusher bucked up to assistant coach CJ Spiller for not allowing him to get the scoring carry.
The interaction quickly went viral on social media as college football fans reacted online.
The Tigers looked dominant in their most recent matchup with Florida Atlantic, winning the game handily, 48-14. Clemson jumped out to a 41-0 lead before the Owls finally got on the board in the fourth quarter.
While the team excelled on the field, not everyone seemed happy.
Shipley was seen arguing with the coaching staff after a Clemson touchdown that put the Tigers up 34-0 before the halftime break. The running back got into the face of coach CJ Spiller after not having his number called on the scoring play.
Here’s the broadcast clip of that moment. FWIW, Shipley was up and engaged with helmet on not too long after this and was in on Clemson’s last drive of the half (another @Sam_Neumann_ h/t) https://t.co/fL6DEkmlRM pic.twitter.com/5Zl86fzg5t
— Chapel Fowler (@chapelfowler) September 17, 2023
His frustration stinted from his being tackled inside the one-yard line on the previous play, falling just shy of the goal line. After coming up short, Shipley wanted another chance to find the endzone.
Instead, the offense called quarterback Cade Klubnik’s number as he crossed the threshold for a one-yard touchdown run.
Many online were quick to react to the verbal altercation.
“Seems great,” one follower sarcastically wrote.
“Maybe get in the end zone the first try,” said another.
“He thinks he’s better than he is,” this Clemson supporter commented, while others suggested he picked the wrong coach to buck up to.
CJ is not a man I’d buck up to
— Uncle Sam (@SamVanGieson) September 17, 2023
In the end, you probably shouldn’t put much stock into the argument. Chalk it up to a passionate player wanting the ball in a big spot.
Shipley has been one of Clemson’s best players over the last few years, scoring 26 touchdowns over his first two college seasons. He’s yet to find the endzone in 2023, likely adding to his frustrations on Saturday.
He finished the day with 38 yards on 10 carries.