"Would've dramatically changed the situation": Former NFL Scout questions Texas' fate if targeting infraction was called 

The Texas Longhorns defeated the Arizona State Sun Devils 39-31 in dramatic fashion in the Peach Bowl on Wednesday, securing a spot in the college football playoff semifinals. However, the final two minutes of regulation featured a play that sparked a huge debate in the college football world.

With Arizona State moving down the field on a 3rd and 15 play, quarterback Sam Leavitt passed the ball to wide receiver Melquan Stovall. Just as Stovall turned upfield, he was hit by safety Michael Taaffe. The impact was a helmet-to-helmet hit that left Stovall crumpled on the field, motionless. After a brief discussion, officials decided not to call a targeting penalty.

Following the game, insider Colin Cowherd dropped an episode of his podcast, "The Colin Cowherd Podcast," with cohost John Middlekauff, a former NFL scout. The two discussed the controversial no-call.

"Let's just start with the targeting infraction that wasn't called and that gave Texas an opportunity. In my opinion, if they called targeting which it looked like to me, do you believe Arizona State would go on to win the game? [12:10]

Middelkauf responded:

Well I think yeah. It would've dramatically changed the situation."

Cowherd then continued:

"So targeting, I looked it up, is foreseeable contact with an opponent that goes beyond a legal tackle. The rule is intended to reduce concussions, and you can't lead with the crown of your helmet."

"Well, that's three for three targeting. I almost felt like watching the game, that referees didn't want to decide it. Because if it's foreceable contact with an opponent that goes beyond a legal tackle well a legal tackle you can't lead with a helmet. It was helmet on helmet. I felt officials thought, you know what, it wasn't necessarily the crown of the helmet."

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Texas advances to the semifinals of the CFP

While there was some controversy around a no-call on a targeting play in the Peach Bowl, the Texas Longhorns ultimately came out on top. As a result, they advanced to the semifinals of the CFP.

In the second round, they will compete against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Cotton Bowl. The Buckeyes defeated the Oregon Ducks on Wednesday in the Rose Bowl 41-21. The semifinal matchup will take place on Jan. 10 at 7:30 p.m. ET.