WATCH: Controversial targeting decision by officials ends TCU vs Michigan
For a few moments, TCU thought they had a spot in the College Football national championship game. Michigan was attempting to drive down the field to win themselves and everything fell to a fourth down play.
In a chaotic sequence, the ball somehow ended up in the hands of Colston Loveland via running back Donovan Edwards. As he went to the ground, everyone on the Horned Frogs’ sideline jumped for joy to celebrate the victory. Quarterback Max Duggan even trotted out onto the field to take a knee.
However, there was a review called down to the field from the booth, looking at a potential targeting call. Defensive back Kee’yon Stewart came in to wrap up the game but with the way his head went into the tackle, there was enough to warrant a review.
After a brief view, the officials decided there was no foul on the play, especially after not calling the flag originally. All TCU had to do was take a snap and they would be heading out to Los Angeles to face off against the winner of Georgia and Ohio State.
You can watch the full play here.
While seeing a CFP semifinal game get extended by the referees is not what you want on the biggest stage, there is still differing opinion on if the right call was made or not.
Either way, TCU will be heading to SoFi Stadium to play for the national championship. They will be the first Big 12 school to do so since Texas did in 2009. It’s just Year One under head coach Sonny Dykes in Fort Worth, with a potential CFP trophy heading back to Cow Town.
As for Michigan, Jim Harbaugh falls in the semifinal for another season, even with some high expectations. If he remains in Ann Arbor, there will be some questions to answer heading into the 2023 season.