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Clemson Tigers linebacker James Skalski hits Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields and would be later ejected for targeting on the play during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Clemson LB Skalski ejected for targeting after hit on Justin Fields

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Matt Fitzgerald | Last updated 1/1/21

The Clemson Tigers lost the heart of their defense during Friday’s College Football Playoff semifinal when linebacker James Skalski got ejected for a second-quarter targeting foul after hitting Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields.

Skalski was in the open field and lowered his helmet to initiate contact with Fields, who was on the turf for a while after taking the massive shot. Upon review, Skalski was ruled out for the rest of the Sugar Bowl.

WATCH: James Skalski crushes Justin Fields, leading to ejection

Pro Football Focus (via video by Chris Hummer) posted the footage of Skalski’s massive hit on Fields:

Justin Fields is still down on the field after this hit

pic.twitter.com/qZzAlzNGDo
— PFF College (@PFF_College) January 2, 2021

It was really a tough call to make. On one hand, Skalski is an invaluable leader to the Tigers defense and holding him out for the remainder of such a key game disrupts the competitive balance. However, based on what the officials were looking at, there’s at least an argument to be made Skalski’s ejection was justified.

To Fields’ credit, he sat out for one play, came back in the game, and promptly threw a nine-yard touchdown pass to Chris Olave, putting the Buckeyes up 28-14. It was the third scoring toss for the Ohio State signal-caller, boosting his numbers to 12-of-13 passing for 172 yards. Fields ran for 53 yards on six carries to that point, too, and amazingly remained in action.

Fans react to Skalski getting ejected for Fields hit

Not everyone thought Skalski’s ejection was justified despite the viciousness of the collision. In fact, media members and fans alike sided with Clemson for the most part, even though Fields undeniably got rocked.

Get the hell out if that’s targeting.
— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) January 2, 2021

The dude is going to get ejected for someone running right into him?
— Patrick Daugherty (@RotoPat) January 2, 2021

If you lower your shoulder and your opponent spins and ends up hitting your helmet, please tell me that isn’t targeting.
— Bill Burr (@billburr) January 2, 2021

Would not recommend that hit to young players. He’s lucky his own neck wasnt snapped.
— Tony Grossi (@TonyGrossi) January 2, 2021

I feel sick for Skalski

That was a football hit. Not dirty, no head hunting. No trash talking after.

The rule is flawed.
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) January 2, 2021

I dont think Skalski gets called for targeting if hes not wearing the Cowboy Collar which allmost is a highlighter to draw attention to any illeagal head activity. Which guy was it? Oh yeah the guy with a toilet seat around his neck
— ProFootballTeamCommenter(controls own destiny) (@PFTCommenter) January 2, 2021

Massive open field hit. Really hope Fields is ok. He spun into that helmet. I get Skalski’s crown of helmet is down, but thats just crazy to me. If Fields doesn’t spin last second, that helmet is right on the side.
— Jon Ledyard (@LedyardNFLDraft) January 2, 2021

This is straight B.S. for the second straight year in the playoffs this kid from @ClemsonFB named Skalski is ejected for “Targeting.” What is the guy suppose to do? Stand straight up and tackle? I mean, come on! What B.S. I feel so bad for that kid. Why even play defense.#Damn!
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) January 2, 2021

i'm all for making players safer but if that's targeting just put some flags on each side of their ass and let's end this contact thing
— Tyler Conway (@jtylerconway) January 2, 2021

If Fields isn’t lying on the turf no one bats an eye about that hit
— Mike Renner (@PFF_Mike) January 2, 2021

If you lower your shoulder and your opponent spins and ends up hitting your helmet, please tell me that isn’t targeting.
— Bill Burr (@billburr) January 2, 2021

This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission.

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