Miami defensive back Jacob Thomas escaped a targeting penalty in the first quarter of the national championship game.
Thomas hit Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza in the chin with the top of his helmet after Mendoza handed the ball to Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza on Indiana’s second possession of the game. Mendoza’s lip bled after the collision.
There was no penalty call on the play, much to the chagrin of Indiana head coach Kurt Cignetti, who immediately shouted for a flag to be thrown. Sinetti has a case. This is the textbook definition of the targeting rule in college football.
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If Thomas is flagged for targeting, Indiana automatically gets first down and moves halfway to the goal line. Instead, the Indians ultimately had to settle for a field goal and take an early 3-0 lead.
Targeting penalties also means automatic expulsion. Miami went into the first half without a key player heading into the second half. Xavier Lucas was ejected for targeting in the second half of the Hurricanes’ Fiesta Bowl victory over Mississippi State and had to serve a first-half suspension due to penalties. Lucas qualified for the national championship game after halftime. If the goal is whistled, Thomas will miss the remainder of the game.
