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Targeting? Social Media reacts to crucial call on ASU to start 4th quarter
By Ethan Stone
Published:
Arizona State’s Shamari Simmons just absolutely lit up Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht.
The Sun Devils defensive back blitzed Becht and went almost entirely unseen until the very last moment before popping Becht near the head/neck area. He didn’t lead with the crown of his helmet, but the hit was ruled targeting due to the nature of the hit against a “defenseless player.”
You be the judge:
— wow that was crazy (@CowardlyDoggo) December 7, 2024
Since this hit occurred in the 2nd half, Simmons will miss the first round of Arizona State’s College Football Playoff matchup. That is, unless the hit is reviewed and changed this week, as Arizona State will certainly lobby for.
It’s close, but by the letter of the law it appears to be targeting. Some social media users took to their phones to react to Simmons’ massive hit, and the reaction was fairly well split between the pro-targeting crowd and the non-targeting crowd.
Here’s a look at some of the top reactions from the play:
HOT SOUP COMING THROUGH
(Ruled targeting) pic.twitter.com/PebFsTuD27
— Pardon My Take (@PardonMyTake) December 7, 2024
Hate to see that crap. Guy targets Becht and then does the “put him to sleep” gesture. Glad Rocco walked off on his own.
— Chris Hassel (@Hassel_Chris) December 7, 2024
That was not targeting. Come on now.
— Rosco, M.S. (@HeWhoRemains24) December 7, 2024
Targeting shouldn’t carry over into the CFP. College football has got to figure this bullshit punishment out and make it less harsh. It’s not that difficult,
— Billy Liucci (@billyliucci) December 7, 2024
That might be the softest targeting call I’ve ever seen
— gunthriftstore (@gunthriftstore) December 7, 2024
I disagree with that targeting call. That’s an o-line problem. The defender blitzed and did not lead with the crown of his helmet. Yes, it was a hard hit, but this IS football.#ASUvsISU #Big12Championship
— Jimmy McBee (@CoachJimmyTX) December 7, 2024
At this point just give everyone flags if you can’t hit and you’re calling targeting on every hard hit!! #ISUvsASU
— diggum117 (@diggum117) December 7, 2024
Textbook targeting there, not sure how Kenny Dillingham or ASU can dispute that one
— Beck Parsons (@BeckParsons3) December 7, 2024
If this is targeting, we might as well just outlaw safety blitzes: pic.twitter.com/UkPIU8yRiZ
— Adam Spencer (@AdamSpencer4) December 7, 2024
Celebrating that targeting with the go to sleep is going to age poorly
— Jon Reed (@Jon__Reed) December 7, 2024
Arizona State will be apart of the College Football Playoff, but there’s no telling what seed they will draw. This thing was one-sided from the beginning, so will the committee make the move to jump ASU over Boise State for a first-round bye? At the same time, where does Arizona State land if Clemson beats SMU in the ACC Title game?
All we can do now is wait and see.
Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.