On August 31, 2024, college football fans were treated to a thrilling match between Notre Dame and Texas A&M. However, the excitement of the game was overshadowed by a controversial targeting call that left fans, players, and analysts debating the decision. The call, which involved a defensive player from Texas A&M and the Notre Dame quarterback, became the focal point of the match and sparked a larger conversation about the targeting rule in college football. In this article, we will dive deep into the play, the targeting rule, and whether the referees made the right call.
The Play: Setting the Scene
The incident occurred early in the game, with Notre Dame on offense. The quarterback, after failing to find an open receiver, decided to run the ball. As he approached the defensive line, he opted for a feet-first slide—a common maneuver designed to protect the quarterback from unnecessary contact. This slide is a signal to defenders that the quarterback is giving himself up and should not be hit.
As the quarterback began his slide, a Texas A&M defender, wearing jersey number zero, approached from the right. (0:00) According to Speaker 2, "from the right," it was clear that the defender had the quarterback in his sights. (0:02) The key moment came when the defender lowered his head, a move that would later be scrutinized during the targeting review.
The Targeting Call
Immediately after the play, the referees threw a flag, and Speaker 1 announced, (0:04) "Defense, number zero. (0:05) 15-yard penalty. (0:07) Automatic first down." This indicated that the referees had seen something that warranted a penalty. The call for targeting was made, and the play was sent to the ACC Replay Center for further review. (0:09) As the review began, the commentators discussed the potential outcome, with Speaker 1 asking Bill LaMagna, an expert in the booth, for his opinion on the play.
Breaking Down the Targeting Rule
The targeting rule in college football is one of the most debated and controversial rules in the sport. It is designed to protect players from dangerous hits, particularly to the head and neck area. According to the NCAA rulebook, targeting occurs when a player:
- Makes forcible contact to the head or neck area of a defenseless opponent.
- Uses the crown of the helmet to make contact.
In this case, the Notre Dame quarterback was considered defenseless as soon as he began his slide. This is a crucial point because once a player is deemed defenseless, any forcible contact—especially if it involves the helmet—can result in a targeting penalty.
(0:18) Bill LaMagna, weighing in on the review, stated, "No question, we’ve got a late hit because of feet-first slide." This was a significant observation, as it confirmed that the quarterback was indeed in a defenseless position. (0:22) LaMagna continued, "And he does come in because he’s defenseless now," reinforcing the idea that the defender’s hit was both late and potentially dangerous.
The Referee’s Decision
After a thorough review, the referees upheld the targeting call. This decision was based on the defender’s actions: lowering his head and making contact after the quarterback had begun his slide. The call resulted in a 15-yard penalty against Texas A&M and the automatic ejection of the defensive player involved. This was a critical moment in the game, as it not only penalized Texas A&M but also removed a key defensive player from the field.
Impact on the Game
The targeting call had immediate and significant consequences for both teams. For Notre Dame, the 15-yard penalty and automatic first down kept their drive alive and put them in a better position to score. Momentum in football can shift rapidly, and this penalty gave Notre Dame a substantial advantage.
For Texas A&M, the loss of a defensive player early in the game was a significant blow. Not only did it weaken their defense, but it also forced them to adjust their strategy on the fly. Targeting penalties are severe for this reason—they can drastically alter the dynamics of a game.
Was the Call Correct?
The central question that arises from this play is whether the referees made the correct call. Targeting is one of the most difficult calls to make in football because it often involves split-second decisions and can have a huge impact on the game. In this case, the referees had to determine whether the defender’s hit was both late and dangerous.
Given the circumstances—the quarterback’s feet-first slide, the defender lowering his head, and the contact that followed—it seems that the targeting call was justified. Speaker 2 (0:00) pointed out the defender's approach from the right, highlighting the aggressive nature of the play. (0:18) LaMagna’s analysis further supports the decision, emphasizing the defender’s responsibility to avoid hitting a defenseless player.
The Importance of the Targeting Rule
While the targeting rule is often criticized for being too strict or changing the nature of the game, it is an essential part of modern football. The rule is designed to protect players from serious injuries, particularly those involving the head and neck. In a sport as physically demanding as football, these protections are necessary to ensure the safety of the players.
The incident in the Notre Dame vs. Texas A&M game serves as a reminder of why the targeting rule exists. It is there to prevent dangerous plays and to promote safer techniques in tackling and defense. While the rule may lead to controversial calls, its overall purpose is to protect the athletes who make the game possible.
Conclusion
The targeting call during the Notre Dame vs. Texas A&M game on August 31, 2024, was a pivotal moment that highlighted the complexities and controversies surrounding this rule in college football. While fans and analysts may debate the decision, the call was consistent with the rules designed to protect defenseless players. As college football continues to evolve, the targeting rule will remain a crucial part of the game, ensuring that player safety is prioritized above all else.
Final Thoughts
This analysis underscores the importance of understanding the targeting rule and how it is applied in real-time situations. Whether you agree with the call or not, it's clear that targeting will continue to be a hot topic in college football. The Notre Dame vs. Texas A&M game is just one example of how these rules can impact the outcome of a game and the safety of the players involved.