WATCH: Controversial targeting review does not result in Tennessee ejection vs. Georgia
No. 3 Georgia is into the end zone first in a pivotal showdown with No. 1 Tennessee, courtesy of a Stetson Bennett IV touchdown run that was immediately reviewed. On a controversial targeting review, Tennessee might have been fortunate to get away without an ejection, as well.
Tennessee brought the house on a blitz on third-and-10 from the 13-yard line.
Bennett managed to tiptoe away from a diving tackle attempt by Tennessee linebacker Juwan Mitchell in the backfield, then outran edge defender Tyler Baron to the corner. As he dove toward the end zone, safety Jaylen McCollough made contact up high, near the shoulders and head area. Bennett reached the football out to the pylon for the score.
The CBS broadcast crew confirmed that the play was looked at for targeting, but officials decided not to flag McCollough for targeting following the review.
“I don’t think he leads enough with the crown or contacts with the crown,” CBS rules expert Gene Steratore said. “There’s some there, but I think he’s leading with the shoulder. There is a piece of the crown there, though, on that. What they’ll look at now, and we’ll listen to what Jason Autrey has to say, is if he’s attacking with the crown of that helmet. I don’t think he is, personally.”
Following controversial targeting review, Georgia takes 7-3 lead
Following the review, the Georgia touchdown run by Bennett was confirmed, putting the Bulldogs up 7-3 in the first quarter with 8:32 remaining.
None of the CBS broadcasters had issues with the touchdown call.
“I love starting the day being a unanimous decision with you and Gary, Brad, on this one,” Steratore said. “This is a great play, Gary squared it, nailed it. Foot in bounds, ball hits the pylon, touchdown.”
Tennessee drew first blood with a 47-yard field goal from Chase McGrath at the 10:05 mark.