The Arizona State University (ASU) football team is gearing up for a major showdown in the Jan. 1 Peach Bowl against either Texas or Clemson at the iconic Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. However, there's a significant hurdle that ASU's defense will need to overcome: senior safety Shamari Simmons will miss the first half of the game, barring an unexpected reprieve. The situation revolves around a controversial targeting penalty Simmons received during ASU's Big 12 Championship game on December 7, where they defeated Iowa State 45-19.
The targeting call came in the fourth quarter, on the very first play. Simmons, who has been a key contributor to ASU’s defense all season, was penalized for a hit on Iowa State’s quarterback Rocco Becht. While there was some helmet-to-helmet contact, the situation quickly became a topic of debate. ASU and head coach Kenny Dillingham immediately appealed the ruling, but unfortunately, their request was denied.
“I’m going to shoot my shot to try to help Shamari,” Dillingham said during his weekly media meeting on Monday. “As of now, Shamari is out. I’m trying to do a follow-up. I’ll try to do everything for that kid.” The emotional plea from Dillingham highlights just how much Simmons means to the team and how difficult this ruling is for both the player and the coach.
The call was a tough break for Simmons, and even Dillingham admitted that it was a heartbreaking moment. He explained the situation further, pointing out how close Simmons was to avoiding the penalty. “For something to be that close, and like, two inches are the difference in this kid being able to experience something that he’ll have for the rest of his life, I think the human in everybody should understand that this is something that should get overturned,” he said.
The play itself was unfortunate. Simmons had an unimpeded path to sack Iowa State’s Becht, but just as Simmons was about to make the tackle, Becht unexpectedly lowered his head. The defensive back made a conscious effort to avoid head contact, keeping his head up to minimize the risk of injury. However, the quarterback’s sudden movement created the helmet-to-helmet collision, which led to the penalty.
Simmons, who had been playing with precision and focus throughout the game, knew that there was a chance for a big play. "He saw the quarterback looking away," Dillingham shared, "so he made an emphasis to keep his head up. Then at the last second, you can see the quarterback turn towards him and lower himself a little bit. And that little bit of the turning and the lowering is what actually created the contact with the neck area." It was a split-second decision that ultimately resulted in Simmons being sidelined for the first half of the Peach Bowl.
Shamari Simmons has been a standout player for ASU this season, racking up 69 tackles, forcing three fumbles, and contributing with an interception and three pass breakups. His presence on the field has been a crucial part of ASU’s defense, and his absence will undoubtedly leave a hole in their secondary. If the appeal is not overturned, freshman Kyan McDonald is expected to start in Simmons’ place. McDonald, though inexperienced compared to Simmons, will now be thrust into the spotlight of one of the biggest games of the season. It’s a tough position to be in, but ASU will need to rely on his potential to step up in a game of this magnitude.
This situation is a familiar one for ASU. The Sun Devils have faced similar challenges in the past, most notably when linebacker Keyshaun Elliott and defensive end Clayton Smith both received targeting penalties in a game against Kansas on October 5. The penalties led to ejections, and both players had to sit out the first half of the following game against Utah. This latest targeting call on Simmons adds to a string of frustrating moments for ASU’s defense, but it also highlights how much the team has had to overcome throughout the season.
The targeting penalty rule itself has long been a point of contention for many coaches and players. On one hand, the rule is designed to protect players from dangerous hits to the head and neck area, reducing the risk of serious injuries like concussions. However, many argue that the rule is sometimes applied too strictly and doesn’t account for the natural flow of the game. In this case, Simmons’ actions were not malicious; he was simply trying to make a play, and the quarterback’s unexpected movement led to the penalty. The narrow margin between avoiding the penalty and not is part of what makes the targeting rule so frustrating for coaches, players, and fans alike.
Looking ahead to the Peach Bowl, ASU will have to adjust without Simmons for the first half, but the team has proven resilience throughout the season. With or without Simmons, the Sun Devils will be ready for the challenge, but they will undoubtedly feel the impact of his absence on the field. The question now is whether Dillingham’s final plea will be successful, or if ASU will have to move forward without one of their most important defensive players.
For the fans, this situation adds another layer of drama and intrigue to an already highly anticipated matchup. The Peach Bowl is one of the biggest bowl games of the season, and both Texas and Clemson are formidable opponents. ASU will have to be at their best to compete with these powerhouse programs, and Simmons’ absence, at least for the first half, may make the challenge even greater. However, the Sun Devils have shown time and time again that they are capable of rising to the occasion, and the coaching staff, including Dillingham, will no doubt work tirelessly to ensure the team is ready to give it their all.
In conclusion, ASU’s Peach Bowl preparations are facing a significant obstacle in the form of Shamari Simmons’ targeting penalty. While his suspension for the first half is a tough blow to the team, the Sun Devils will likely rally around each other and find a way to step up in his absence. Whether or not the penalty gets overturned, ASU’s defense will have to adapt and execute at the highest level. Fans will be watching closely as the Sun Devils take on Texas or Clemson, hoping for a thrilling game and a successful outcome, despite the challenges they face.
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