Multiple targeting calls disqualify Iowa State defenders during second quarter of Alamo Bowl

SAN ANTONIO, Texas – A targeting call on Iowa State’s Willie Harvey prevented the Cyclones’ starting linebacker from finishing the Alamo Bowl and led directly to Washington State’s second touchdown in Friday’s game at the San Antonio Alamodome.

Then, later on in the same quarter, another ISU defender was punished for another illegal hit on Washington State quarterback Gardner Minshew.

Backup defensive end Enyi Uwazurike popped Minshew in the head, knocking the Washington State quarterback’s helmet off with 1:57 to play in the half. Uwazurike, a sophomore from Detroit, was disqualified from the game and the Cougars scored three plays later on a 9-yard touchdown pass from Minshew to Patmon.

Visibily frustrated with the call, ISU coach Matt Campbell drew an unsportsmanlike penalty that moved the Cougars to the porch of the end zone, giving them the ball at the 4-yard line.

Harvey, a redshirt senior from Florida, was flagged after leveling Minshew on a 7-yard scramble in the second quarter. On third-and-11, the linebacker led with his helmet as Minshew slid to the turf near the 45-yard line, pinning him in the facemask and knocking the QB’s head back.

After a brief review, officials confirmed the initial call, which gave the Cougars 15 yards and a first down and disqualified Harvey from his final college football game. The linebacker was ISU’s leading tackler up to that point, with four takedowns. Harvey was also credited for a half-sack.

Minshew gave WSU a two-score lead later in the drive, scrambling for a 7-yard touchdown to make it 7-0.