We've already got some controversy in this Monday night's national championship game between Miami and Indiana.
During the first quarter of action, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza took a nasty hit from Miami defensive back Jakobe Thomas on a read option. Even though Mendoza didn't have the ball in his hands, Thomas launched himself right at the Heisman Trophy winner. It was such a violent collision that Mendoza's lip immediately started bleeding.
ESPN's camera angles showed Thomas using the crown of his helmet and launching himself at Mendoza while he was defenseless. It very well could've been a targeting call. And yet, a flag wasn't thrown on the play.
© Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images.
Fans are furious with the no-call.
"How is this not a penalty on Miami?? The refs not throwing a flag when a DB goes helmet-to-chin of Fernando Mendoza is criminal," NFL aggregator Dov Kleiman said. "Miami is a dirty football program. These refs need to be investigated."
"Watching the Championship game and Miami plays dirty. That hit on Mendoza was uncalled for, talk about targeting. Refs do nothing," one fan commented.
"Miami plays dirty as always. Notice all the late hits on Mendoza. So typical of them it’s become cliché," another fan said.
"That was 1000% a dirty hit and should’ve been flagged. Mendoza was completely defenseless and the defender had plenty of time to let up. Instead he led with the crown of the helmet and hit Mendoza in the chin," a social media user wrote.
Mendoza has been sensational this season, completing 73% of his passes for 3,349 yards with 41 touchdowns and six interceptions. That being said, Miami's defense has done a great job flushing him out of the pocket.
If Miami is going to pull off the upset, Rueben Bain Jr. and the defensive line will have to keep applying pressure on Mendoza.
Of course, Miami's defense has to play within the rules. We're not so sure the Hurricanes will get away with another nasty hit on Mendoza.