Clemson's James Skalski ejected for targeting in College Football Playoff championship game
NEW ORLEANS — Clemson football linebacker James Skalski was ejected for targeting in the third quarter of his team's 42-25 loss to LSU in the College Football Playoff national championship game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
The linebacker was penalized for his hit on LSU receiver Justin Jefferson. On the ensuring play, quarterback Joe Burrow completed a touchdown pass to Thaddeus Moss as LSU took a 35-25 lead with 5:13 left in the quarter.
Before his ejection, Skalski recorded five tackles, four of which were solo. He also notched a sack.
Entering the 2020 national championship game, Skalski ranked second on the Tigers with 85 tackles, including 5.5 for a loss and 2.5 sacks.
In Clemson's Fiesta Bowl win over Ohio State, a targeting call seemed to swing the momentum.
With Ohio State leading Clemson 16-0, Buckeye linebacker Shaun Wade was called for targeting on Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
After that ejection, the Tigers outscored the Buckeyes, 29-7, en route to a 29-23 win.
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