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Miami's Xavier Lucas ejected for targeting in fourth quarter of Peach Bowl
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- Miami's Xavier Lucas ejected for targeting in fourth quarter of Peach Bowl
Miami football continues to pile up self-inflicted penalties in the College Football Playoff Fiesta Bowl semifinal.
Perhaps the most impactful one came in the fourth quarter at the end of an 11-yard hookup between Mississippi quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and receiver Cayden Lee , when the Hurricanes ' Xavier Lucas was ejected from the game for targeting. The call was confirmed by officials after review.
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Lucas' ejection will keep him out for the remainder of the game after he lowered the crown of his helmet and contacted Lee's helmet on the tackle. As a result of the targeting penalty being upheld, Miami was also hit with a 15-yard penalty that moved Ole Miss deeper into Hurricanes territory.
Here's a look at the play:
REQUIRED READING: Ole Miss vs Miami score, Fiesta Bowl live updates, highlights
The penalty was Miami's eighth of the night, and the first official targeting call of the game. The Rebels had a targeting call against Nick Cull reversed in the first quarter.
Lucas' ejection effectively cost Miami three points and the lead, as Ole Miss kicker Lucas Carneiro successfully converted a 21-yard field goal attempt to put the Rebels out in front 19-17 with seven minutes left in the fourth quarter.
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The Wisconsin transfer was in the midst of a strong game for the Hurricanes before his ejection, as he had a team-high four tackles and a broken-up pass.
Miami is looking to advance to its first College Football Playoff national championship game with a win on Thursday against Ole Miss.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Miami's Xavier Lucas ejected for targeting in Peach Bowl vs Ole Miss
