Clemson defensive end Justin Mascoll laid the boom on Syracuse starting quarterback Garrett Shrader, and if it weren’t for the competency behind the replay review, the Tigers would have lost one of their top defenders early in their 31-14 win over the Orange.
On the Orange opening drive, Mascoll stopped a 19-yard Shrader run with a monster hit that caused a fumble that was recovered by the Tigers. Flags flew, with targeting being the call after the crushing hit from the defensive end.
Swinney did not react well to the flags, knowing it was a clean hit by his defender.
“I just saw it clean. I did not see what they saw,” Swinney said. “I saw a clean hit.”
“It looked worse than it was because (Shrader) did not see it coming,” Swinney said. “I think sometimes when it is a quarterback… but he was not a defenseless player. He is running the ball, and he is not sliding. He is not a guy that slides. He is a punishing runner, but he just did not see him. I know it looks worse than it was, but I thought it was a clean hit from the get-go.”
These moments are always scary ones for teams, as you never know which way these officials might go. In the past, we’ve seen some questionable targeting calls confirmed in huge situations.
This time, the officials got it right.
.@jthegreat_ set the tone with the hit stick 🔥 pic.twitter.com/bU0rKPkAXE
— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) September 30, 2023