Every time a targeting penalty is called in college football, fans will have something to say. This was no different on Saturday when Derek Meadows, a freshman receiver for No. 8 Alabama, was hit violently on a passing play by safety Marvin Burks on No. 14 Missouri.
Burks hit Meadows, the targeted pass catcher on the play, head-on, and the receiver almost instantly dropped to the ground. ABC quickly went to commercial while Alabama’s medical staff ran out to attend to the player, who remained still on the ground.
Alabama Fans Send Good Wishes to WR Derek Meadows After a Scary Targeting Hit
With just over three minutes to go in the first quarter, Alabama, which was tied 7-7 with the Tigers, passed the ball on 2nd-and-7 on the Alabama 46-yard line. QB Ty Simpson fired a laser to freshman WR Derek Meadows, who caught the ball and was immediately speared by safety Marvin Burks Jr.
Scary hit here in Alabama WR Derek Meadows
He was able to walk off the field
— Unnecessary Roughness (@UnnecRoughness) October 11, 2025
When ABC returned from commercial break, the announcers reported that Burks had been ejected for the targeting call and that Meadows had walked off the field under his own power with some help from athletic trainers.
Fans, both Alabama and general college football, took to social media to sen thoughts and prayers for the young receiver, who was just carving out his role in the offense.
Oh my god Derek Meadows might be dead
— Macarius “Mac” Donar, CPA (@MacariusDonar) October 11, 2025
“Oh my god Derek Meadows might be dead,” one X user posted. While Meadows ended up being relatively fine, it was still a scary moment. Meadows stayed on the ground, motionless, and players knew instantly something was up.
Oh man, I hope Derek Meadows is OK. That hit was brutal. Scary scene.
— Clint Lamb (@ClintRLamb) October 11, 2025
Clint Lamb, an Alabama reporter for “Cover Crimson,” tweeted, “Oh man, I hope Derek Meadows is OK. That hit was brutal. Scary scene.” As of the time of this article, there hasn’t been an update regarding the status of Meadows. He appeared to walk directly to the locker room after the play.
Other accounts, such as “Barstool Bama,” also joined in, sending good thoughts to Meadows by writing, “Please be ok Derek Meadows.”
Meanwhile, accounts like this one related the issue of the injury back to Simpson’s tough passing. The quarterback is known for throwing hard passes into tight windows, sometimes leading to hard hits on ‘Bama receivers. “Ty Simpson just got Derek Meadows killed,” this user wrote.
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While Meadows sustained a tough hit, he still came down with the catch, securing a much-needed first down for the Tide. The targeting penalty added to the yardage, setting up Alabama in the Missouri red zone. Several plays later, Alabama scored, taking a then-14- 7 lead.
Currently, with just over five minutes remaining in the first half, No. 8 Alabama leads No. 14 Missouri 17-7 on ABC.
