South Carolina coach Shane Beamer and Illinois coach Bret Bielema continued their exchange Wednesday on social media after several testy moments during Tuesday’s Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, which the Illini won 21-17 in Orlando, Florida.
Late in the third quarter, Beamer took issue with Bielema making the “T-bar” signal toward the South Carolina sideline after walking over to check on an injured Illini player. Beamer had to be restrained from charging at the Illini coach.
Bielema said the T-bar is part of an “unwritten philosophy in coaching,” meant to signal a fair catch/touchback on a kickoff to the opposing coverage team. Moments before the on-field altercation, South Carolina made the T-bar signal and proceeded to lateral the ball, leading to a 25-yard return by Nyck Harbor. Bielema said he first learned about the T-bar signal while coaching in the NFL, as a way of limiting the risk of injury on kickoffs.
Ryan Day and Ohio State take care of business 😤 pic.twitter.com/f2DDF42Onx
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) January 2, 2025
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