College football fans and pundits lost their minds after a targeting penalty was controversially not called in Texas' dramatic win over Arizona State, even after a video review.
At the end of the Peach Bowl, a College Football Playoff quarterfinal game between No. 4 Arizona State and No. 5 Texas, ASU quarterback Sam Leavitt completed a pass to Sun Devils wide receiver, Melquan Stovall.
While making the catch, Longhorns defensive back Michael Taaffe advanced with the crown of his helmet and collided with Stovall's helmet to tackle him.
Stovall was left lying on the ground in pain as officials reviewed the situation to apply a targeting penalty, which is applied when players 'initiate forced contact against an opposing player', including 'leading with the crown of the helmet while making forced contact.' . or making forcible helmet contact with the head or neck of a defenseless opponent.'
Not only did Taaffe advance with the crown of his helmet, but Stovall was hit in the head and left a helpless receiver.
Even though this matched textbook definitions of the goal, the referees went to instant replay and somehow decided it wasn't a goal, confusing fans, analysts, and even former players and referees.
For reasons that defy comprehension, this hit in the Peach Bowl was not called aiming.
Former NFL wide receiver Terrell Owens tweeted: “Watching this @TexasFootball @ASU game and just saw a textbook 'target' play that was reviewed and the review booth determined it wasn't.” 'I'm really starting to think the games are rigged. Compare that success to many target successes throughout the year and I've seen fewer confirmed.'
'The objective is not regulated. “Are you kidding me?” Nicole Auerbach of NBC Sports posted.
ESPN's Booger McFarland posted, “If that's not targeting, remove the rule,” while CBS Sports' Danny Kanell tweeted, “Gotta protect Texas, I guess…that was targeting all day.”
Barstool Sports president Dave Portnoy said, “I hate aiming in general, so I wouldn't have a problem removing it from the game.” BUT if you're going to have it in the game you can't openly cheat. ASU was maybe worse than any team I've ever seen. That was the most obvious goal of all time.
'Obviously, I don't know what targeting is. “I have that in common with these officials,” posted NFL RedZone host Scott Hanson.
Even former NFL referee and football analyst Terry McAulay posted: “Clearly a miss.”
The decision not to score forced Arizona State to punt, returning the ball to Texas for the final possession of regulation.
The Longhorns approached field goal range, but kicker Bert Auburn missed a 38-yard kick, leading to overtime.
Fans, analysts, former players and former officials agreed that it was a wake-up call.
Despite the great play of Sun Devils running back Cam Skattebo, ASU lost in double overtime.
On the first drive of overtime, the Sun Devils scored a touchdown after eight plays when star running back Cam Skattebo scored from three yards out.
Texas scored a touchdown of its own four plays later to force a second overtime.
They then found the end zone again with just one play and converted their two-point attempt to take a 39-31 lead.
Needing to score to keep the game alive, Leavitt threw an interception to give Texas the victory and advance to the semifinals.
Arizona State got there by mounting a massive comeback late in the game. After trailing 24-8 in the third quarter, the Sun Devils were able to score a game-tying touchdown with five minutes remaining.
Skattebo played a big role in that: with 30 carries for 143 yards and two rushing touchdowns, as well as a trick pass play that saw him throw for a touchdown as well.
However, the Longhorns are going to the Cotton Bowl Classic, played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, where they will play for a chance to go to the National Championship game.
They will play the winner of the Rose Bowl game between No. 1 Oregon and No. 8 Ohio State.