Utah Receiver's Premature Celebration Gives Oregon 100-Yard Fumble Return Touchdown

Utah wide receiver Kaelin Clay showed football players just how things can go terribly, terribly wrong when you celebrate too early.

The senior wideout was about to score a 79-yard touchdown in the second quarter against Oregon on Saturday, but inexplicably let go of the ball just before crossing the goal line. With the ball on the ground just inside the end zone, the Ducks' defense realized the officials hadn't blown their whistles and the play wasn't over. As Clay and the home fans in Salt Lake City were celebrating what they through was a Utah touchdown, Oregon linebacker Joe Walker recovered the fumble and returned it 100 yards for a defensive score.

The officials reviewed the play and confirmed the ruling on the field. If Clay had just held onto the ball, Utah would have grabbed a 14-0 lead. Instead, Oregon tied the game at 7-7. The Ducks poured it on after the 14-point swing, going on to win 51-27.

"I know how important points are, so I take full responsibility. I got carried away," Clay said after the loss, per the Associated Press.