Is this targeting? Will Levis receives head-on collision in fourth quarter fumble

There were plenty of ‘What If’ moments in the three-point Kentucky loss to Ole Miss. Instead of creating a long list, let’s focus on one targeting no-call that many initially thought cost the Wildcats a chance to win.

The Kentucky defense held its own in the second half against Lane Kiffin’s offense. The Rebels went for it on fourth and goal and were denied. Naturally, Kentucky went into 8-minute drive mode. The Wildcats methodically moved the ball down the field, using 11 plays to chew up more than seven minutes of clock to get inside the red zone.

Facing a third and two, Rich Scangarello did the unexpected. Instead of handing it off to Chris Rodriguez, Will Levis kept the ball and sprinted toward the line to gain. He passed the sticks, then was met head on by an Ole Miss defender. After dislocating his finger in the first half, Levis failed to secure the ball. The pigskin went flying into the air and was quickly recovered by Ole Miss.

Costly fumble for Will Levis late 4Q@OleMissFB | #HottyToddypic.twitter.com/ClByusbOqN

— Collin Wilson (@_Collin1) October 1, 2022

When you take a closer look, which the replay officials did not, you’ll see the Kentucky quarterback took a shot directly to the head. Targeting is often called on pass plays, but it was not even considered on this run play. Is this targeting?

Legal hit? pic.twitter.com/ElMdhtJnxp

— Andrew Perloff (@andrewperloff) October 1, 2022

The play was not reviewed. If called, the Cats would have had a first down inside the 10-yard line with less than three minutes to play.

What is targeting? Nobody knows.