The thrilling College Football Playoff quarterfinals between Texas and Arizona State was not without controversy.
With just over a minute left in the fourth quarter and the game tied 24-24, Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt hit wideout Melquan Stovall short, then took a hard hit to Texas' Michael Taaffe. It was taken down. It came with a helmet to helmet contact.
However, despite review by authorities, targeting was not called.
Immediately after the play, the ESPN broadcast consulted rules expert Matt Austin, who apparently thought a targeting case could be made.
“Well, our receiver was defenseless and the moment he caught the ball and turned around, the defender hit him in the head. So I wouldn't be surprised if they say this was targeting from the booth,” Austin said. said.
But no targeting was called, and after Arizona State ultimately punted the ball on fourth down, Texas missed a game-winning field goal in the final seconds of the fourth, only to have the Longhorns double at 39. They won by a score of 31. over time.
After the call was not made, most on social media could not believe that no targeting had been issued.
“It's 100% targeted, so it's dangerous to call it that. Terrible,” Football analyst Warren Sharp wrote: With X.
“Obviously, I don't know what the targeting is. I have common ground with these officials.” NFL Red Zone's Scott Hanson agreed..
“One of the most gutless, non-calls I've ever seen. Clearly targeting Texas.” Sports radio legend Mike Francesa wrote:.
After the game, Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham didn't reveal much about the game.
“I'll be honest.” he said. “I have no idea what targeting is.
“I don't want to comment on that because we need to better understand what it is.”
