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LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels exited a game against Alabama in the fourth quarter after taking a hit from defender Dallas Turner. Daniels was slow to get back to his feet after the vicious hit, which landed a 15-yard penalty for roughing the passer.
Many believe it should’ve been taken a step further, warranting a targeting ejection. College football fans are now debating on social media.
With the Tigers trailing 42-28 in the fourth quarter of action, Daniels was hit while releasing the football. Dallas Turner’s helmet got up into the chin of the LSU signal caller, forcing officials to throw a penalty flag.
After staying on the ground for some time, Daniels was removed from the game and taken into concussion protocol. He would not return as reserve Garrett Nussmeier finished out the contest. Unfortunately, he wouldn’t be able to lead a comeback effort.
With Daniels sidelined, many online began to question whether or not the hit from Turner deserved a targeting penalty.
Targeting or no targeting? pic.twitter.com/rYEx3D4epy
— Aaron Murray (@aaronmurray11) November 5, 2023
It seems that the internet is split on the opinion.
“This is the entire reason targeting was invented.”
“Targeting. Very easily could have gone lower and not lost any speed on the tackle.”
“Easiest targeting call in the game.”
Those on the other end of the spectrum believed it was just a football play.
“No way. Clean hit. Tackled straight through to the ground. Just because a hit is vicious doesn’t mean it’s targeting.”
“Initial contact was with the defender’s arms. No crown of the helmet. Only came into contact with head and neck area on the way down after wrapping him up. Roughing the passer was a stretch. Targeting call is fantasy.”
LSU received 15 yards and a first down with the roughing the passer penalty, but Alabama’s Dallas Turner would remain in the game after the hit. The Crimson Tide would go on to win by 14 points.