ESPN rules analyst disagrees with controversial targeting call, Jahquez Robinson ejection

For the second time in the Iron Bowl, a player has been ejected from the game due to targeting. This one comes from the Auburn side, as Jahquez Robinson was controversially called for the penalty. Initially, the SEC crew only called for a roughing the passer. But after a buzz down from the booth, targeting was confirmed.

Not everybody inside the ESPN/ABC broadcast booth agreed with the call. Play-by-play commentator Chris Fowler thought most of the contact to Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson came under the helmet. Rules analyst Billy Lemonnier chimed in, saying his call would not be targeting.

“I don’t have forcible contact,” Lemonnier said. “I wouldn’t go targeting on that.”

Yes, that was targeting on Auburn! pic.twitter.com/v82TqSthuj

— JAiHAWKFLY℠ (@JAiHAWKFLY) November 30, 2025

Moments later, Robinson received the news. He is now out for the remainder of the Alabama game. And, of course, there is a long-term punishment since the play happened in the second half. If Auburn were able to come back and win, the first half of the team’s bowl game would also see Robinson sitting out.

Robinson was a big part of the Auburn defense this season, playing in 11 games. Some starts are mixed in there but at the very least, defensive coordinator/interim head coach DJ Durkin trusted Robinson. Exactly the type of player you would want out there in a massive rivalry game.

Auburn will have to learn to deal without him moving forward. The defense is going to be critical in order to pull off the come-from-behind victory, a game the Tigers were once down 17-0 in. It would certainly be up there for one of the best Iron Bowl memories on the Plains — even if a few has been produced in recent years.

Auburn hoping to once again play spoiler in the Iron Bowl

Auburn finds itself in a transitional period, still looking to hire a full-time head coach. Athletic director John Cohen is letting the search develop over time. In the meantime, defensive coordinator DJ Durkin — who is considered a long-term candidate — is out there coaching.

Winning Saturday night would bring Auburn to six wins on the year, meaning a bowl game becomes a reality. They would also effectively end the season for Alabama, knocking them out of the SEC Championship and College Football Playoff.

Plenty is on the line at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Emotions have already proven to be high, as Auburn is not going to play like a team with a 5-6 record.