After a quick touchdown score from quarterback Marquise Williams to Ryan Switzer, UNC cut the Clemson lead to 8.
With a little over a minute left in the game, the Tar Heels looked like they recovered an onside kick.
UNC was called offsides -- a controversial call, sparking outrage from many.
This was called offsides. pic.twitter.com/zIVqe8Ya3q
— ESPN CollegeFootball (@ESPNCFB) December 6, 2015
The Tar Heels had to kick again. Clemson recovered and ran out the clock, claiming their first title since 2011.
Fans took to social media after the game to show their displeasure.
Many used the hashtag #ACCRefs which has become popular whenever there is a controversial call.
Can’t think of a worse call than the offsides by #ACCRefs. And I’ve seen a lot.
— Mike Eagan (@mqeagan) December 6, 2015
The only thing offsides on the play was the refs flag #UNCvsCLEM #ACCRefs
— Addison (@addibaby88) December 6, 2015
UNC on the left, #ACCRefs on the right... pic.twitter.com/X3HoWtoArh
— Joey Weaver (@FTRSLilBroey) December 6, 2015
#CFBPlayoff is pretty clear now: 1. Clemson 2. Alabama 3. Oklahoma 4. #ACCRefs Gotta like #4. Impossible to gameplan for.
— Andrew Phelps (@phelpsie7) December 6, 2015
#ACCRefs stay undefeated.
— Luis M. (@lcm1986) December 6, 2015
#ACCRefs #TarHeelNation Suspend these guys for this call in a Championship game! pic.twitter.com/vrnq5hm3BH
— CHRIS (@GUTSON) December 6, 2015
So @DukeU and @UNC both have felt the wrath of @theACC referees now! The year of the #ACCRefs
— livingforHIM (@davidleegregory) December 6, 2015
Plz tell me is there something I'm missing?!? #accrefs #fixed pic.twitter.com/4jqnPD1b1M
— Jacob (@jtford727_SDMN) December 6, 2015
Where can I buy a refs jersey? #ACCRefs https://t.co/zaz1W12ayM
— Matt Harper (@mattharper_UO) December 6, 2015
There better not be an ACC officiating crew anywhere near the playoffs. #ACCrefs #terrible
— Scotty Cram (@ScottyCram) December 6, 2015
Just walked into work, and I was whistled for offsides #ACCRefs
— Michael Dalton (@falamabam) December 6, 2015
UNC head coach Larry Fedora also didn't agree with the call. "I had a chance to look at it and they missed it," he said. "They were wrong. That's all I'm going to say about it. They were wrong."
In a statement, the ACC said that the play could not be reviewed.
"Offsides is not a reviewable play," said the spokesperson. "Dennis Hennigan (ACC director of officiating) said that mechanically the officials were in the correct position. The rule as it relates to to an onside kick that the 35-yard line is treated as a plane and if any part of a player breaks that plane before the ball is kicked it's offsides. The officials saw a member of the kicking team break the plane before the ball was kicked."
