During the Liberty Bowl between the Texas Tech Red Raiders and the Arkansas Razorbacks, Red Raiders defensive back C.J. Baskerville accused Razorbacks’ Fernando Carmona of a “dirty” play. Baskerville took to social media to claim that Carmona intentionally stepped on the back of his ankle after a play, with videos shared as proof of the incident. Despite acknowledging that Arkansas played a great game, Baskerville condemned Carmona’s actions and called for better behavior on the field. Carmona, who did not immediately respond to the allegations, is a formidable player listed at 322 pounds.
The alleged incident involving Carmona took place in the fourth quarter of the Liberty Bowl, which ended with a 39-26 victory for Arkansas over Texas Tech. Despite the loss, Baskerville had an impressive performance leading the Red Raiders in total tackles with 10 and one pass deflection. Over the course of the 2024 season, Baskerville amassed 52 total tackles and four interceptions. The Red Raiders’ defense managed to pressure Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green, sacking him twice, but Green still delivered a solid performance with 341 passing yards and two touchdown passes.
Arkansas, coached by Sam Pittman, concluded the season with a record of 7-6, marking a three-game bowl winning streak for the Razorbacks. On the other hand, the Texas Tech Red Raiders fell to 8-5 in the year, with the loss snapping their own three-game bowl winning streak. Despite the controversy surrounding the game, both teams displayed strong performances throughout the season. The Red Raiders faced disappointment in the Liberty Bowl, while the Razorbacks celebrated another successful bowl victory under Pittman’s leadership. The incident involving Baskerville and Carmona added a contentious element to the matchup, but the teams showed resilience and skill on the field.
The social media post by Baskerville criticizing Carmona’s actions sparked debate and drew attention to the intense competition on the field. The video evidence shared by Baskerville offered insight into the alleged dirty play and raised questions about sportsmanship in college football. The incident highlighted the physicality and competitiveness of the sport, showing the intensity of emotions that can arise during high-stakes games. While the focus should ideally be on the athletic prowess and strategy displayed by the teams, off-field controversies can sometimes take center stage and overshadow the on-field performances.
As the story gained traction in the media, fans and analysts weighed in on the incident, with many expressing support for Baskerville and condemning Carmona’s behavior if the accusations were proven true. The debate surrounding sportsmanship and player conduct in college football continued to be a topic of discussion among spectators and commentators. Moving forward, the teams involved in the Liberty Bowl and the players at the center of the controversy may face repercussions or scrutiny based on their actions during the game. Despite the fallout from the incident, both the Red Raiders and the Razorbacks can reflect on their accomplishments and performances throughout the season.
