Spearing is illegal under NCAA rules. Players cannot make a tackle while leading with their helmet. Yet, an Alabama player may have done just that when he tackled Colt McCoy and injured him.

Notice the Alabama player with his head down, leading with the crown of his helmet, as he makes contact with Colt's right shoulder. No penalty was called on the play. ESPN has video footage of the play.

Since 2005, the spearing rule in NCAA football has no reference to intent. It does not matter if the defender intended to spear or not. It is a penalty, period. Spearing is illegal because it has frequently caused injuries to both the player at the receiving end, and the tackler. Sometimes it has even resulted in broken bones, or knocking players out of a game.

In my opinion, Colt McCoy was illegally speared. The officials missed the call. There should have been a 15-yard personal foul penalty called on Alabama. The officials should have at least considered ejecting the Alabama player from the field of play. That this did not occur was a travesty.

On the other hand, the referees were especially vigilant when it came to calling chop block and whipping penalties on the Texas offensive line. The referees should be congratulated for keeping such a sharp eye out for such dangerous maneuvers. Clearly they deserve a raise.