Alabama’s Jordan Battle ejected for egregious targeting foul (Video)
Alabama defensive back Jordan Battle lowered his helmet and got himself ejected from the National Championship game for a terrible targeting shot.
Targeting is one of the most controversial calls on a football field most of the time. On Monday during the National Championship game between Alabama and Ohio State, it wasn’t even a question.
Alabama’s Jordan Battle broke up a pass intended for Jeremy Ruckert by lowering his helmet and taking a shot at the pass-catcher’s facemask. It was as clear an instance of targeting as you’re likely to see in a season.
Jordan Battle was called for targeting and was ejected after this hit. pic.twitter.com/cX2rN64fka
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 12, 2021
If the replay isn’t clear enough, the freeze-frame tells the story.
Was targeting the correct call on this play? pic.twitter.com/X5mRzrgnv0
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) January 12, 2021
For once, everyone agreed Jordan Battle’s hit was targeting
That's targeting.
— Ralph D. Russo (@ralphDrussoAP) January 12, 2021
I can argue with a lot of targeting calls but that ain't one.
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) January 12, 2021
Yeah that's targeting
— Barrett Sallee 🇺🇸 (@BarrettSallee) January 12, 2021
Even though the hit was undoubtedly illegal, it wouldn’t be a college football game without debate over the merits of the targeting rule as well.
I understand the targeting rule. And you can’t go helmet to helmet. But it just sucks for the young man who gets kicked out of the National Championship Game for just doing what his split second instinct tells him to do. #CFBPlayoff
— Doug Russell (@DougRussell) January 12, 2021
How about a penalty box. Like hockey for targeting. It’s such an iffy call. And why play if you can’t use your helmet. 10 minutes for targeting? Who’s with me?
— greg swindell (@GregSwindell) January 12, 2021
The good news for Alabama, who will have to make it through the rest of the game without one of their best defenders, the penalty wasn’t as costly for the scoreboard as it might have been.
Since it happened on 3rd-and-11, it gave Ohio State’s drive new life. However, the Tide held up at the goal line and kept the Buckeyes to a field goal to make it 21-17.
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