DeAndre Moore Jr. Injury Raises Targeting Question in Colorado vs. Baylor

DeAndre Moore Jr. Injury Raises Targeting Question in Colorado vs. Baylor

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A controversial play in the Colorado Buffaloes’ game against Baylor is raising questions about the officiating after Colorado wide receiver DeAndre Moore Jr. was injured following a tackle made by Baylor linebacker Travion Barnes in the first half.

The play has become a talking point after Barnes’ tackle on Moore. In the replay, it appears that the hit was helmet-to-helmet as Moore stayed on the ground motionless for a solid amount of time after. Despite Moore going down with the injury and being helped off the field, officials did not call targeting on the play.

Colorado trailed 10-3 at halftime, and the Buffaloes started quarterback Isaac Wilson over Julian Lewis in the second half.

Why There Was No Penalty

The biggest question surrounding the play is whether Baylor linebacker Travion Barnes’ contact with Moore met the requirements for a targeting penalty.

Helmet-to-helmet contact alone does not automatically mean targeting was committed. Officials must consider the nature of the hit, the defender’s actions and whether the contact meets the specific requirements of the rule.

Still, the collis...