
In a thrilling College Football Playoff (CFP) quarterfinal at the Peach Bowl, the Texas Longhorns edged out the Arizona State Sun Devils 39-31 in double overtime.
However, the game’s outcome has been overshadowed by a controversial non-call on a potential targeting penalty late in the fourth quarter, prompting Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark to call for a review of CFP officiating standards.
The Controversial Play
With just over a minute remaining in regulation and the score tied at 24-24, Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt completed a pass to wide receiver Melquan Stovall. As Stovall secured the catch, Texas defensive back Michael Taaffe delivered a helmet-to-helmet hit. The collision left Stovall on the ground, leading officials to initiate a review for a potential targeting penalty. Despite the apparent helmet-to-helmet contact, the officiating crew determined that no targeting had occurred, and play resumed without a penalty.
Reactions to the Non-Call
The decision not to call targeting sparked immediate backlash from analysts and fans alike. ESPN’s rules expert, Matt Austin, commented during the broadcast, “We have a defenseless receiver, and just as he’s turning after catching the ball, he gets hit in the head by the defender. So I would not be surprised if this is called targeting from the booth.” Despite this expectation, no penalty was assessed.
Social media platforms buzzed with criticism. Football analyst Warren Sharp labeled the non-call as “100% targeting, horse s-t to not call it … while NFL RedZone’s Scott Hanson expressed confusion, stating, “Evidently, I don’t know … .”
Arizona State’s head coach, Kenny Dillingham, echoed the sentiment of confusion post-game: “I’m going to be honest, I just don’t know what targeting is … don’t want to comment on something … .”
Big 12 Commissioner’s Response
In light of the controversy, Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark issued a statement expressing his concerns and calling for a review of CFP officiating standards. He remarked, “As a member of the College Football Playoff management committee, I have had multiple discussions seeking clarity surrounding the targeting call on Arizona State’s final drive of the 4th quarter with [CFP Executive Director] Richard Clark. Moving forward, we need to address CFP officiating to ensure national standards are developed. These standards will be crucial to the CFP’s future, and I look forward to discussing them with my fellow committee members when we meet next.”
Yormark also praised Arizona State’s performance, stating, “I’m incredibly proud of how Arizona State represented the Big 12 in the CFP Quarterfinals. While the outcome didn’t go our way, the Sun Devils proved they are one of the most talented teams in college football this season.”
Implications for CFP Officiating
The incident has reignited discussions about the consistency and clarity of targeting rules in college football. The targeting rule, designed to enhance player safety by penalizing dangerous hits, has often been criticized for its subjective enforcement. The non-call in such a high-stakes game underscores the need for standardized officiating to ensure fairness and player protection.
As the CFP expands and the stakes of each game continue to rise, the demand for clear and consistent officiating becomes increasingly critical. Commissioner Yormark’s call for national standards aims to address these concerns, ensuring that all teams compete on an even playing field with transparent and uniform enforcement of the rules.
Looking Ahead
While the Texas Longhorns advance to the semifinals, the controversy surrounding their victory serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in officiating college football. The forthcoming discussions among CFP management committee members, prompted by Yormark’s statements, may lead to significant changes in how games are officiated, particularly concerning targeting calls.
For Arizona State and its supporters, the focus now shifts to future seasons, with hopes that clarifications in officiating will prevent similar controversies and ensure the integrity of the game.