Alabama's Jamarion Miller ejected for targeting vs. Ole Miss

Chandler Vesselsby:Chandler Vessels09/23/23

ChandlerVessels

Alabama vs Ole Miss Impact

Alabama running back Jamarion Miller has been ejected from Saturday’s contest against Ole Miss for targeting. The play occurred on the kickoff after Jalen Milroe through a touchdown to give the Crimson Tide a 17-7 lead with 6:29 in the third quarter.

Miller came charging down the field once the Rebels received the kick and delivered a huge blow to stop the return around the 10-yard line. However, review of the play clearly showed helmet-to-helmet contact and officials made the easy call of targeting. You can view the hit from Miller below.

Per the NCAA targeting rules, because the penalty occurred in the second half, Jamarion Miller will not only have to miss the remainder of this game but also the first half of Alabama’s Week 5 against Mississippi State.

Miller had contributed mostly on special teams this season and had totaled just seven carried for 21 yards through the first three games. He carried the ball just once in Saturday’s contest against the Rebels but lost six yards on the play.

That in mind, the Crimson Tide will need to find someone to take his place on special teams in the first two quarters in Week 5. For now, Alabama will look to close out Week 4 strong as it currently leads 23-10 against Ole Miss with 12:10 remaining.

Terrence Ferguson taken to locker room early with apparent injury

Alabama offensive lineman Terrence Ferguson left the field early with an apparent injury before halftime Saturday against Ole Miss. Ferguson was seen being helped to the locker room by a pair of trainers as he walked gingerly with 1:07 remaining in the first half.

The redshirt sophomore received his first career start in Week 3 against South Florida. There he helped pave the way for the Crimson Tide to finish with 203 yards rushing in a 17-3 win.

Ferguson is a former four-star recruit out of Peach County High School in Fort Valley, Georgia. He ranked as the No. 64 overall prospect and No. 3 inside offensive lineman in the 2021 cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

It’s unclear exactly at this point what the nature of the injury is, but we’ll hopefully receive an update following halftime. Alabama trailed Ole Miss by a score of 7-6 at the break.