Miami's Xavier Lucas ejected for targeting in fourth quarter of Peach Bowl

5 days ago 1

Miami football continues to pile up self-inflicted penalties in the College Football Playoff Fiesta Bowl semifinal.

Perhaps the most impactful one came in the fourth quarter at the end of an 11-yard hookup between Mississippi quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and receiver Cayden Lee, when the Hurricanes' Xavier Lucas was ejected from the game for targeting. The call was confirmed by officials after review.

Lucas' ejection will keep him out for the remainder of the game after he lowered the crown of his helmet and contacted Lee's helmet on the tackle. As a result of the targeting penalty being upheld, Miami was also hit with a 15-yard penalty that moved Ole Miss deeper into Hurricanes territory.

Here's a look at the play:

REQUIRED READING: Ole Miss vs Miami score, Fiesta Bowl live updates, highlights

The penalty was Miami's eighth of the night, and the first official targeting call of the game. The Rebels had a targeting call against Nick Cull reversed in the first quarter.

Lucas' ejection effectively cost Miami three points and the lead, as Ole Miss kicker Lucas Carneiro successfully converted a 21-yard field goal attempt to put the Rebels out in front 19-17 with seven minutes left in the fourth quarter.

The Wisconsin transfer was in the midst of a strong game for the Hurricanes before his ejection, as he had a team-high four tackles and a broken-up pass.

Miami is looking to advance to its first College Football Playoff national championship game with a win on Thursday against Ole Miss.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Miami's Xavier Lucas ejected for targeting in Peach Bowl vs Ole Miss

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