Brian Kelly explains lack of targeting review on play that took Jayden Daniels out vs. Alabama

LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels was ultimately knocked out of a loss to Alabama on Saturday night on a hit that, in plenty of circumstances, would be reviewed for targeting. Tigers head coach Brian Kelly offered some more insight into what happened on the play after the game.

Alabama edge rusher Dallas Turner came through the pocket clean and hit Daniels from straight ahead, planting the facemask and forehead area of his helmet right at the top Daniels’ chest. The shot under the chin eventually had Daniels in concussion protocol and out of the game.

“We asked them. They said that the replay booth was reviewing it for targeting. Obviously, I don’t have the ability to see that. But anytime that there is contact to the head or neck area, you’re thinking that there must be some form of targeting. They reviewed it, didn’t feel there was and we moved on,” Kelly said after the game about his discussions with the replay officials.

LSU lost to Alabama, 42-28, and Daniels finished 15-of-24 for 215 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. He also carried 11 times for 163 yards and a touchdown.

Daniels was ultimately ruled out with a concussion

The LSU offense was firing on all cylinders Saturday night against Alabama, scoring 28 points through two-plus quarters. Early in the fourth quarter, though, Daniels took his huge hit from Turner and headed to the sideline for further evaluation.

Daniels ended up returning to the game, but was later ruled out as he entered concussion protocol. The CBS broadcast team of Brad Nessler and Gary Danielson also speculated about a possible targeting call on Turner. They brought in rules analyst Gene Steratore to discuss that idea, and he thought the officials would at least go to the monitor to look even though Turner didn’t lower the crown of the helmet.

Per NCAA rules, lowering the helmet isn’t the only indicator of targeting. Turner hit Daniels high, which Steratore said could spark a review.

Jayden Daniels was shaken up after taking this hit that was ruled roughing the passer. pic.twitter.com/4JKCTNnaPr

— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) November 5, 2023

“I think you’re talking about what Gary alluded to,” Steratore said. “Look, the quarterback in that position is defenseless by definition, so forcible contact initiated to the head and neck area could potentially lead to targeting. It’s the indicator.

“Now, he doesn’t lower the head, but the initiated contact, to me, is right to that head and neck area. That’s what I think they would be looking at, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they review this, fellas, for sure.”

Daniels briefly returned to the game, but wound up going back to the injury tent as the Alabama offense came back out. CBS’ Jenny Dell reported he was going into concussion protocol and, as a result, will have to sit out the rest of the game.

“Daniels has been inside the tent for over six minutes now, guys,” Dell said. “I’m told it is concussion protocol. He’s going to be out for the game, and his mom just joined him inside the tent.”