South Carolina student fails Pat McAfee kick challenge during GameDay

During an episode of ESPN's 'College GameDay' on South Carolina's campus, a sophomore business major named Jousha Watson participated in a kicking contest hosted by Pat McAfee. The event took place before South Carolina's close game against No. 16 LSU, which ended in a 36-33 loss for the team. Watson, who had never kicked a football before, confidently mocked kickers, claiming that kicking was easy and that he would succeed in the challenge. However, his attempt resulted in a disastrous shank, with his shoe flying off and the ball veering off course. McAfee and fellow panelist Kirk Herbstreit criticized Watson's performance, labeling it as one of the worst kicks ever seen. The contest initially offered a cash prize of $45,000, but country singer Darius Rucker, who was a guest on the show, increased the stakes by adding $15,000. Additionally, Watson's shirt, which honored the Jake Panus Scholarship for walk-on athletes at South Carolina, prompted McAfee and Rucker to pledge an extra $60,000 for the scholarship fund if Watson succeeded in making the kick. Despite the high stakes and the buildup, Watson's failure to make the kick led to disappointment. In the aftermath, McAfee announced that they would still donate the $60,000 to the scholarship fund, demonstrating a commitment to supporting the cause despite Watson's unsuccessful attempt. This incident highlighted the pressure and unpredictability of live sports events, especially when fans are invited to participate in challenges. Overall, Watson's experience serves as a reminder of the challenges athletes face and the humility that can come from underestimating a sport. The event not only entertained the audience but also raised funds for a worthy cause, showcasing the spirit of college football and community support.