Miami Hurricanes defensive star Xavier Lucas was ejected in the fourth quarter of the Fiesta Bowl matchup against the Ole Miss Rebels for targeting. The ejection came after Lucas allegedly targeted the receiver, despite the 11-yard toss from Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss being well caught.
After Cayden Lee caught the pass, Lucas came and dashed the receiver. The play was reviewed by officials, following which a decision was made to eject the defensive star. Upon a closer look at the play, Lucas lowered the crown of his helmet and dashed Lee’s helmet. The ejection came along with a 15-yard penalty against Miami.
The same penalty ended up costing Miami three points and the lead, as Ole Miss kicker Lucas Carneiro successfully kicked a 21-yard field goal attempt to put the Rebels up by 19-17.
Miami reclaimed the lead in their next offensive drive as Carson Beck completed a 36-yard touchdown pass to put Miami up 24-19. Trinidad Chambliss also made a touchdown pass in response to reclaim the lead 27-24. In the final minute of the game, Beck scrambled for a 3-yard rushing touchdown to put Miami into the final of the championship game. Meanwhile, Ole Miss’ spirited playoff run came to an end in the CFP semifinal.
Xavier Lucas To Miss First Half Of NCAA Championship Game
Under college football rules, a targeting ejection not only removes a player for the remainder of that game but carries over into the next if it occurs in the second half. Since the ejection happened with nine minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Xavier Lucas will miss the first half of Miami’s national championship game.
For the same targeting ejection, there have been voices on both sides among college football pundits.
ESPN rules analyst Bill LeMonnier explained that the ejection was justified, given Lucas “did have a launch” against a defenseless Lee. Meanwhile, FOX analyst Joel Klatt called the targeting rule “the worst in sports”:
“The targeting penalty is the worst in sports…horrible,” Klatt said via X. “Trying to make a tackle and he HAPPENS to contact the head…ejection…stupid. They should’ve overturned that one.”
In the end, a decision was made, but Miami will have to manage without Xavier Lucas in the first half of the college football championship game.
Read More News:
“That Was PI”: Refs Questioned by Fans as Miami Win Marred by Play Controversy
Ole Miss vs. Miami Hurricanes Strengths And Weaknesses Ahead Of Fiesta Bowl
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