Notre Dame safety Antonio Carter ejected for targeting vs. Tennessee State

Notre Dame safety Antonio Carter was ejected in the second quarter of Saturday’s game against Tennessee State for targeting. The foul occurred with less than two minutes remaining in the half.

Carter is in his first season at Notre Dame after transferring from Rhode Island. Last week against Navy, he had one tackle in his first game in a Fighting Irish uniform.

At the time of Carter’s ejection, Notre Dame had a 28-3 lead over Tennessee State as the offense got out to a hot start. The Tigers ended up missing the field goal, though, meaning the score stayed the same.

NBC rules analyst Reggie Smith disagreed with the call shortly after the officials reviewed the play.

“It was very, very tough … but remember, you have to confirm all aspects,” Smith said. “Now, they’re saying No. 4 from Notre Dame came in in an attacking form. And I just don’t see that being the case here. He’s trying to wrap, he’s trying to go to the side. To me, this should not have been a call for targeting.”

The Notre Dame offense got off to a quick start against Tennessee State, adding on to its lead in the final seconds to make it a 35-3 score into halftime. Sam Hartman continues to impress early in his Fighting Irish career, completing 14 of 17 passes for 194 yards and two touchdowns in the first half. He also recorded his first rushing touchdown in a Notre Dame uniform — and capped it off with a somersault after jumping over the defender.

Eddie George: Tennesse State excited to play against ‘a damn good opponent in Notre Dame’

Saturday marks a bit of history for Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish are not only playing an HBCU for the first time, but it’s also the first time the program is playing an FCS opponent. It’s also a battle of two former Ohio State players as Marcus Freeman faces off against Tennessee State head coach and Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George.

George talked about how much it means for Tennessee State to go in to Notre Dame Stadium and play the Fighting Irish, noting the history of the program and how special it is for his players to make the trip to South Bend.

“We’re very excited to play football against another opponent,” George said, via Blue and Gold’s Tyler Horka. “Against a damn good opponent in Notre Dame. It is what it is. We have an opportunity to go up to South Bend and play in a historical venue such as South Bend Touchdown Jesus, the cathedral of all stadiums.

“This is going to be a great opportunity for our kids to experience Saturday for our kids to play football against a damn good opponent. I think we are excited to give it our best shot and see if we can come away with a victory.”