MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. -- Alabama safety Jordan Battle was ejected for targeting in the second quarter of the College Football Playoff National Championship presented by AT&T against Ohio State on Monday night.
Battle was flagged during Alabama's 52-24 victory after leading with the crown of his helmet and hitting Ohio State tight end Jeremy Ruckert in the face mask area. The call was confirmed on video review.
Battle started 12 games this season. Eddie Smith replaced him in the game.
The Buckeyes settled for a field goal on that drive, cutting the Alabama lead to 21-17, in the second quarter. The Crimson Tide quickly answered with a score, stretching the margin to 28-17 with 3:15 remaining in the half.
With and without Battle, the Crimson Tide defense proved up to the challenge of the previously undefeated Buckeyes. Alabama allowed just 194 yards through the air en route to the victory.