Home / Sports / Hurricanes Star Suspended: Targeting Call Halves Title Game
Hurricanes Star Suspended: Targeting Call Halves Title Game
19 Jan
Summary
- Miami DB Xavier Lucas will miss the first half due to targeting.
- Lucas's penalty stemmed from a hit in the CFP Fiesta Bowl semifinal.
- Starting TE Elija Lofton is also out for the championship game.
Miami's path to the College Football Playoff national championship game has been impacted by a player suspension. Sophomore defensive back Xavier Lucas will be absent for the entire first half of the championship clash against Indiana due to an ejection for targeting in the previous CFP Fiesta Bowl semifinal against Mississippi.
Lucas received the targeting penalty in the fourth quarter of the semifinal for lowering the crown of his helmet while making contact with an Ole Miss receiver. NCAA rules dictate that players ejected for targeting in the second half must miss the remainder of that game and the first half of their next contest. This resulted in a 15-yard penalty and cost Miami three points on a subsequent field goal.
Adding to Miami's personnel concerns, starting tight end Elija Lofton was previously ruled out for the national championship game. Lucas, who ranks eighth in total tackles among Miami defenders, acknowledged that emotions will be high upon his return to the field but is focused on remaining composed.
