It’s been a long and frustrating season for Notre Dame, but there is simply no excuse for what defensive lineman Jerry Tillery did during a regular-season finale at USC.
First, Notre Dame’s Nicco Fertitta was called for targeting on USC running back Aca’Cedric Ware on the play. At the end of the play, Tillery made his way by the injured running back, who was still feeling the impact of the blow he just took, and brushed his foot against the top of the helmet of Ware. While Fertitta was ejected from the game, no call was made on Tillery, whose subtle foot swipe may have just been easily overlooked.
Shortly after that moment of infamy, Tillery was at it again, this time stepping on the foot of USC offensive lineman Zach Banner. This one was not nearly as subtle, and looked to be as intentional as you can get.
This video shows both instances in succession…
ND's Jerry Tillery pushes head of a USC player with possible head injury, then steps on another USC player's foot https://t.co/OvESTUbEum
— CJ Fogler account may or may not be notable (@cjzero) November 27, 2016
On an unrelated note, referee Ron Cherry got knocked down by USC’s Michael Hutchings, who did not appear to be watching where he was going. Cherry was okay after receiving medical attention. It was a scary scene.
