Fallout continues from the controversial hit by Alabama’s Dallas Turner that knocked out LSU’s Jayden Daniels in the fourth quarter of Saturday night’s game.

The play was reviewed by the officials and Daniels entered concussion protocol as the Tide won 42-28 in Bryant-Denny Stadium. On Monday, both head coaches were asked about the play and both agreed it was an illegal hit, but others wondered why the roughing the passer penalty wasn’t also a targeting call.

Speaking to reporters, Brian Kelly admitted that they submitted a video of the play to the Southeastern Conference office in Birmingham to receive an explanation for the no-call.

“Look, we want to protect the quarterback and certainly there was a penalty after the play,” Kelly said. ” … There was plenty of time to look at it. They must’ve felt that there wasn’t targeting. We sent it into the league office because we felt like it checked all the boxes. Again, we want to protect the quarterback here.”

Daniels is “day-to-day” and didn’t record another snap after a bizarre sequence following the hit. Nick Saban noted Turner’s helmet didn’t make direct contact with Daniels, instead sliding up while contact was made. Backup quarterback Garrett Nussmeier couldn’t lead a comeback effort as the Tide defense held LSU to seven points in the second half.

“It wasn’t like a direct hit or an intentional hit to the head. It was a really good hit, but unfortunately, his helmet did slide up and hit the guy so it’s a foul if you hit the quarterback in the head, it’s gonna get called all the time,” Saban said.

According to the 2023 NCAA football rule book, “no player shall target and make forcible contact to the head or neck area of a defenseless player or contact an opponent with the crown (top) of their helmet. The definition of ‘crown of the helmet,’ approved starting with the 2022 season, focused the attention on the top of the helmet. The term ‘forcible contact’ has replaced the word ‘initiate’ to ensure the intent of the rule is clear.”

On Sunday, Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin added his thoughts, telling local reporters he was “blown away” with the officials’ ruling to not eject Turner.

Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe admitted there were a few times Saturday when he wondered if an LSU defender got away with a hit. But regarding the Turner blow, Milroe stated the obvious:

“That’s football, you got to get up and look at the next play,” said Milroe. “I’m glad that wasn’t me on the field, I’ll tell you that.”