Two potential targeting penalties missed after crushing Alabama hits (Video)

Oh look, another missed targeting call.

The Big 12 referee crew missed two obvious targeting penalties in the first quarter of Monday night’s College Football Playoff National Championship Game as college football continues to inconsistently define targeting.

Early in the game, Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster used his forearm to nearly decapitate Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson to the tune of no whistle.

Later in the quarter, as Alabama’s Anthony Averett held up Clemson receiver Mike Williams following a first-down catch, defensive back Tony Brown landed a skull-crushing hit on Clemson’s star receiver. Williams is familiar with head and spine injuries as he missed most of last season with a broken neck.

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Brown smashed an already-slowed Williams who went limp momentarily and appeared to black out. Williams fumbled the ball into his chest and recovered it as he regained consciousness. While the play was still live, Brown obviously launched himself causing head-to-head contact with Williams.

Again, no whistle.

Williams was taken off to sideline and appeared to be dazed, but returned to the field minutes later.

The lack of consistency involving targeting has been maddening all season. In the previous drive, Alabama quarterback Jalen Hurts drew a roughing the passer penalty on Clemson from a slap to his helmet. That penalty was nowhere as egregious as either Foster’s clothesline or Averett’s demolition of Williams.