Miami footballcontinues to pile up self-inflicted penalties in theCollege 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 theHurricanes' Xavier Lucas was ejected from the game for targeting. The call was confirmed by officials after review.
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 movedOle Missdeeper into Hurricanes territory.
Here's a look at the play:
Targeting called on Miami.Refs are reviewing it.Target or nah??pic.twitter.com/NC4IOxuqHh
— Grant Reacts (@GrantReacts1)January 9, 2026
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 atargeting call against Nick Cull reversedin 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.
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
