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Ryan Coleman‑Williams left the Alabama locker room clutching his hamstring, and the replay still haunts me.
What happened on the field
I watched the play at 2 AM in my kitchen, popcorn forgotten, and the wide receiver slipped into a route that should’ve been a simple sideline cut.
But the defender’s shoulder landed square on his mid‑thigh — a hit that felt more like a tackle than a jam.
Because the whistle blew a split second later, officials ruled it a non‑targeting play, letting the drive continue.
Not what we expected. A close call.
In my experience, the NCAA targeting rule demands clear evidence of a hit above the shoulders or to the head, something the video didn’t show.
Official review and next steps
After the game, Alabama’s medical staff ran a MRI that revealed a grade‑2 hamstring strain — the kind that sidelines a player for three to four weeks.
So the team announced he’ll miss the upcoming SEC clash with Georgia, a matchup that could decide the conference crown.
The NCAA’s review panel convened Thursday, and I followed the livestream on a rainy Tuesday, noting every replay angle.
“The hit was low, but the momentum transferred high enough to warrant a targeting review,” the officiating crew chief said.
And the panel concluded the contact didn’t meet the targeting threshold, keeping the play clean on the official sheet.
That decision sparked a flurry of tweets; fans argued the hit was dangerous enough to merit a ejection.
Key takeaway
- Coleman‑Williams suffered a grade‑2 hamstring strain, out for 3‑4 weeks.
- Officials ruled the hit non‑targeting after video review.
- Alabama will start backup WR Jalen McCaffrey against Georgia.
- The NCAA panel upheld the original call, sparking debate about targeting consistency.
For deeper analysis, see our College GameDay Alabama vs Georgia preview and the Long Term Capital Gains 2025 piece.
Official NCAA rules can be read at the NCAA rulebook.
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