Unfair Mario Cristobal and Miami Ejection Under Scrutiny as Fiesta Bowl Referees Called Out

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The targeting penalty is the talk of the Fiesta Bowl’s fourth quarter. While that controversial targeting call ejected Miami defensive back Xavier Lucas, Mario Cristobal took it hard. That’s precisely why FOX’s Joel Klatt criticized the targeting rule.

” The targeting penalty is the worst in sports…horrible,” said Klatt via X. “Trying to make a tackle and he HAPPENS to contact the head…ejection…stupid. They should’ve overturned that one.”

He simply suggests that, while a targeting penalty can cost a team big in a crucial moment like a CFP semifinal, the ejection by the officials should not have been made, because it could derail Miami’s game plan.

With 8:54 left in regulation, Lucas left the game after delivering a hit on Ole Miss wideout Cayden Lee. The flag came down quickly, and after a replay review, the call was upheld.

Here, ESPN rules analyst Bill LeMonnier broke it down.

“You do have a launch, and I’d still consider him a defenseless player, because he’s going to the ground and he hasn’t completed the process of the catch. … This is launching right into him.”

The decision left Miami reeling, with its top defensive back sidelined at a critical moment, while Ole Miss capitalized immediately.

Kicker Lucas Carneiro drilled a 21-yard field goal to put the Rebels up 19-17, their first lead since early in the second quarter. But the call, and the subsequent swing in momentum, sparked debate across the sport.

This story is developing…

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