Clemson QB Deshaun Watson Shoved by NC State Coach Des Kitchings on Video

North Carolina State running backs coach Des Kitchings may soon be in hot water after ESPN cameras caught him shoving Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson on Saturday.

The moment came in the third quarter of the Tigers' 56-41 win over the Wolfpack. As Watson was returning to the field of play after running out of bounds, Kitchings quickly pushed him in the shoulder.

According to Wolfpack head coach Dave Doeren, Kitchings apologized to both Watson and the Tigers coaching staff after the game, per ESPN.com's Andrea Adelson.

"As far as I know, everything has been settled," Doeren said. "It was a heat-of-the-battle moment and unfortunate. I think he handled it the right way."

ESPN's Anthony Becht, however, doesn't think Doeren's explanation absolves Kitchings of any wrongdoing:

While Kitchings' shove wasn't as heinous as Woody Hayes' punch to Charlie Bauman in 1978—which incidentally involved Clemson as well—aggressive physical contact with an opposing player is always a no-no.

The ACC could easily reprimand Kitchings in the coming days, whether with a fine or suspension from the sidelines.