When Torii Hunter Jr. became the hunted, officials' whistles stayed silent and a great majority of the 102,315 jammed into Texas' Darrell K. Royal Stadium roared in approval.
Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly roared too — at the officiating crew.
Kelly was befuddled and beside himself because a targeting penalty wasn't called — or even considered for review by the replay crew — against Texas' DeShon Elliott with 30 seconds left in the third quarter of the Irish's 50-47, double-overtime loss.
Elliott appeared to lead with his helmet against Hunter's helmet, jarring the ball loose on what would have been a go-ahead, 19-yard touchdown pass from DeShone Kizer.
An NCAA rule instituted this season allows replay officials to review potential targeting plays.
"We just don't understand why it wasn't reviewed by the Big 12," Kelly said. "… Win or lose, player safety should be at the front of this game, and we don't believe that was the case in this instance."
In a since-deleted tweet, Hunter's father, former Twins outfielder Torii Hunter, wrote late Sunday that his son "is doing ok. Little concussion but can't keep a Hunter down. targeting"
Etc.
• Former USC head coach Steve Sarkisian is joining No. 1 Alabama's staff as an analyst, coach Nick Saban confirmed.
