CFB world questions no-call on ‘textbook’ targeting

Saturday’s game between LSU and Alabama was a showcase for the two starting quarterbacks, As LSU’s Jayden Daniels and Alabama’s Jalen Milroe put on a show. The show, however, was cut short when Daniels was knocked out of the game early in the fourth quarter on a hit by Alabama’s Dallas Turner.

Turner’s hit on Daniels drew a roughing the passer penalty but nothing more.

CBS’ rules analyst Gene Steratore suggested that Turner’s hit on Daniels might have been targeting. But targeting was not called.

"The quarterback in that position is defenseless by definition. So forceable contact initiated to the head and neck area could potentially lead to targeting."

Alabama LB Dallas Turner was penalized for this hit on LSU QB Jayden Daniels but targeting wasn't called or reviewed. pic.twitter.com/LGDr6nWQlV

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 5, 2023

Targeting has been one of college football’s most confusing and debated rules since its inception. This was no different, as college football fans didn’t understand how this was not called.

lsu probably still loses this game if they call targeting and tuner gets ejected, but i genuinely don’t see how you don’t call that?

it’s almost textbook. the ncaa can’t be serious about player safety and not call stuff like that https://t.co/PQ9NM6Snb1

— kennedi landry (@kennlandry) November 5, 2023

very good conference that cares about the Health and Safety of the young men on the field https://t.co/nndgvyKyOD

— Will Warren (@statsbywill) November 5, 2023

The NFL goes overboard to protect QBs. @SECOfficiating didn't even think this blatant targeting hit warranted a review. Now LSU has to go to their backup QB. https://t.co/N8WAPTPe0M

— Richard Daugherty (@Richard_RND) November 5, 2023

SEC takes care of its own. Brian Kelly ain't. https://t.co/XtAb2aghJm

— Will Rubin (@WillCRubin) November 5, 2023

WTF?!?! Textbook targeting. The ref protecting the qb didn't even throw a flag, it looks like the side judge did!!! https://t.co/bQWmjX7z3m

— B.Maurice Washington (@bmwash374) November 5, 2023

It initially looked as though Daniels would miss only one play. He returned to the field but didn’t end up running a play after a false start penalty by the Tigers and then an LSU time-out. When the action resumed following the time-out, Daniels was in the medical tent and was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the game.

UPDATE: This originally said that there was no review for targeting. There was no apparent review on the broadcast. But after the game, Jacques Doucet of WAFB reported that “Brian Kelly asked officials to review the non targeting call on Jayden Daniels that knocked him out of game. They reviewed, didn’t feel there was targeting.”

Brian Kelly asked officials to review the non targeting call on Jayden Daniels that knocked him out of game. They reviewed, didn’t feel there was targeting. #LSU @LSUfootball

— Jacques Doucet (@JacquesDoucet) November 5, 2023

While the initial tweet can’t be changed, all other references to a lack of review have been removed.

[Photo Credit: CBS]