CLEMSON, S.C. — During a recent game at Death Valley, Virginia defensive end Ben Smiley III faced ejection in the fourth quarter due to unsportsmanlike conduct after engaging in confrontations with players from both Clemson and his own team.

The incident unfolded as Smiley continued to argue and push against the Tigers even after the whistle had been blown for a stoppage in play. In an attempt to calm him down, one of his teammates tried to pull him away, but Smiley resisted by pushing the teammate’s hands away while officials were preparing to impose a penalty.

At that point, Clemson was leading the game 38-17, and Smiley was the only player penalized during the altercation.

Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 308 pounds, the graduate student from Norfolk, Virginia, is in his sixth year with the Cavaliers football program. This season, Smiley has recorded eight tackles, with one being a tackle for loss.

This ejection marks the second time this season that an opposing player has been disqualified at Death Valley. Earlier, on September 21, N.C. State’s Anthony Belton was sent off for spitting at a Clemson player just before halftime in a game the Tigers won 59-35.

The incidents highlight the intense atmosphere and competitive nature of college football, especially during high-stakes games.