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Officials make controversial ruling on potential targeting call in Texas vs Arizona State

IMG_0985by:Griffin McVeigh•01/01/25•

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Michael Taaffe
Michael Taaffe (Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Arizona State and Texas are battling late in the fourth quarter for a spot in the College Football Playoff semifinal. Unfortunately, some controversy has become a storyline with the game on the line. Texas fans are quite happy with the call while people cheering for Arizona State are not too thrilled.

The ASU offense had a chance to go down the field and score, potentially winning the game. But a fourth down stop meant the Sun Devils would likely have to punt. Texas safety Michael Taaffe was in on the stop but appeared to make head-to-head contact.

Officials did review the play for a potential targeting, possibly extending the Arizona State drive. However, they could not confirm the call. Taaffe was able remain in the game and no 15-yard penalty was called.

You can check out the play here.

Even when the white had announced the call, Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham could not believe the decision. He stayed on the field for a few seconds, trying to get an explanation from the entire crew. ESPN cameras even caught Dillingham rolling his eyes while walking back to the sideline.

A huge ruling that will certainly have an impact on the outcome, one way or the other. If Texas were to go on and win, the Arizona State faithful will have a talking point — especially with how their team has battled back in the second half.

There is more than just short-term implications for the call favoring Texas. If targeting was called and Steve Sarkisian‘s team found a way to win the game, Taaffe would have missed the first half of the CFP semifinal. No matter if Ohio State or Oregon been on the other end, it would have been a massive loss for Texas.

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Right now, none of the focus is on the Cotton Bowl. Both teams are still battling to earn a spot in the next round, with Texas about to get the ball back. Once the officials decided there was no targeting, Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham decided to send out his punt team. Quinn Ewers will have an opportunity to lead Texas down the field for a potential game-winning drive.