Saturday’s broadcast of Clemson vs. Georgia Tech on ESPN offered college football fans a brand new layer of transparency in regards to the official reviews that so often go a long way in determining the outcome of games.
Back in August, the ACC and ESPN announced plans to give viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the dialogue that occurs between the on-field referees and those in the Game Day Operations Center when it comes to how those conclusions are made.
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This weekend, both sides were mic’d up as part of the new initiative (which first debuted in the XFL’s reboot) and it drew some pretty rave reviews online.
College Football: Peach Bowl: Referee performs a booth review during Georgia vs Ohio State game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Photo by Carlos M. Saavedra/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)Carlos M. Saavedra/Getty Images
Fans love the change
Taking to social media, viewers across the CFB landscape voiced their opinions the back-and-forth between the game’s officials and the replay operations staff.
“This is one of the coolest features that I have ever seen on a football broadcast,” Pardon My Take’s Jake Marsh said.
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“I love the transparency of it,” a user commented.
“So much more of this,” a fan called for.
“10/10 this is cool,” another replied.
“Very interesting to hear the discussion. Insightful,” another person posted.
“We made it. LFG.”
“I want all major college football and NFL games to have this readily available from here on out,” another user stated.
Schedule for ‘Enhanced Instant Reply Access’
On Aug. 29, the ACC released the schedule of games this season that will utilize the new replay system for the league’s Friday slate with the Worldwide Leader:
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Florida State at Virginia (7 PM ET, ESPN), Sept. 26
Louisville at Miami (7 PM ET, ESPN/ESPN2), Oct. 17
North Carolina at California (10:30 PM ET, ESPN), Oct. 17
California at Virginia Tech (7:30 PM ET, ESPN), Oct. 24
North Carolina at Syracuse (7:30 PM ET, ESPN), Oct. 31
Clemson at Louisville (8 PM ET, ESPN), Nov. 14
Florida State at NC State (8 PM ET, ESPN), Nov. 21
Georgia at Georgia Tech (3:30 PM ET, ABC), Nov. 28
It’s fair to assume the ACC and ESPN will roll out even more of this if it continues to be received as well as it has so far.
This one ended up happening in one of the biggest upsets of the year, with Georgia Tech taking down No. 12 Clemson 24-21 on a last second 55-yard field goal from the leg of Aidan Birr.
This story was originally reported by The Spun on Sep 13, 2025, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.