USC defensive back Bryson Shaw not ejected for targeting late vs. Tulane

USC is attempting to hold on late against Tulane, needing a key defensive stop to win the Cotton Bowl. A scary moment ensued at the Green Wave got deep in the red zone, with Trojans defensive back Bryson Shaw and defensive back Duece Watts going down after a completed catch.

At first, there was no flag thrown for targeting but as medical staff rushed onto the field to check on the two players, the officials decided to review the play. It’s an obvious collision between the two heads, with Shaw making his presence known.

However, there was no targeting called on the play. While Shaw was not ejected from the game, he was brought onto the USC sideline for further evaluation. He did look wobbly at times walking off of the field.

You can watch the full play here.

After review, this was ruled as not targeting. Did they get the call right?

pic.twitter.com/EgOb36x5dZ

— PFF College (@PFF_College) January 2, 2023

From a yardage perspective, the officials would have not been able to add on a 15-yard penalty as Tulane was driving. It more than likely would have been ruled half the distance to the goal, moving the Green Wave even closer to that potential game-winning touchdown.

No medical update has been provided on Shaw or Watts, who were both down on the field for some time.

Bryson Shaw will not miss opening USC game next year

Had a flag been thrown on Shaw, he would have had to miss half of USC’s opening game of the 2023 season against San Jose State. Since the penalty would have occurred in the second half, by NCAA rules, he would have had to miss the first half of the next football game played.

That game will take place on Aug. 26, with the Trojans participating in a Week 0 game. Shaw and his team will be hoping it’s the beginning of a special season.