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Kenny Dillingham claims 'I don't know what targeting is' after controversial review vs. Texas

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•01/01/25•

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kenny dillingham
Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Officials potentially played a role in Saturday’s Peach Bowl result, having a targeting review go against Arizona State. On a third down play where the Sun Devils fell short, Texas safety Michael Taaffe made a hit that was reviewed for targeting. The ASU drive would have been extended but the booth did not confirm the call.

Kenny Dillingham had to punt and after the game, he was asked about the decision. While he did not directly address his frustration, you can tell the head coach is unsure as to why the decision went against his team.

“I’m going to be honest,” Dillingham said. “I just don’t know what targeting is. I don’t want to comment on something that I have to get a better grasp on what it is.”

Had the flag been thrown, Arizona State would have entered Texas territory with just under a minute to go. Place kicking has been an issue for the team all season but certainly an advantageous position for the offense to be in. One Dillingham would have loved to be in instead of giving the ball back to Quinn Ewers.

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Of course, Texas did not win the game in regulation. Arizona State can thank Bert Auburn for missing his second field goal of the game, doinking it off the left upright. If there is any silver lining about the moment for the Sun Devil fans, there was still opportunities to win the game. Two overtimes were played but ultimately, Dillingham’s team fell short.

More than just Arizona State are affected by the call, especially since Texas wound up winning the game. If Taaffe had been called for targeting, he would have been ejected from the Peach Bowl, and suspended for the first half of Jan. 10’s Cotton Bowl. Ohio State and Oregon are set to battle from Pasadena to join Texas in the CFP semifinal.

Instead, Taaffe will be projected to play all four quarters in the next round. A huge call in multiple facets of the national championship picture, Dillingham gave his reaction during a postgame press conference. And through it, the ongoing debate regarding the targeting rule will continue.