Mississippi State defender ejected after bone-rattling hit against Alabama

Mississippi State’s defense will lose some depth after Jackie Matthews was ejected from the Alabama game for a bone-rattling hit near the sideline on Isaiah Bond.

ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit said the officials didn’t even need to review the play because it was that obvious of a targeting call. The play helped fuel a score for Alabama as the Crimson Tide scored one play later after the 15-yard penalty.

Jahmyr Gibbs scored on a 19-yard run around the corner.

Matthews came into the game sixth on the team with 29 tackles.

Matthews has been a consistent contributor throughout the season as he made an interception against Arkansas, and tied his career-high with 7 tackles against Kentucky.

The West Virginia transfer last season saw action in 13 games while making 8 starts for the Mountaineers. He totaled 43 tackles, including 34 solo stops, with 6.5 tackles for loss and one sack.

Jackie Matthews cracked Isaiah Bond and was flagged/ejected for targeting. Sheeesh! pic.twitter.com/wN8bkt308M

— ?????? @???????? (@FTBeard7) October 23, 2022

Keith Farner

A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.