Last season saw a record number of ejections for hits to the head. This year, officials are being advised to be even tighter with the leash when it comes to blows to the dome.
In a matchup between Florida State and NC State this Saturday, a controversial ejection raises some questions about the rule.
In what appears to be a case of incidental contact resulting from an attempt to get a hand on the ball, FSU linebacker Jacob Pugh was ejected for targeting. While the blow itself wasn’t as vicious as many would associate with a targeting penalty, it fits nicely within the lettering of the rules.
This was just called for targeting. pic.twitter.com/XxtFXLJbrY
— Yahoo Sports College Football (@YahooSportsCFB) September 23, 2017
This play falls in something of a grey area for the rule. But for the most part, targeting calls and ejections stem from vicious hits to the head. This type of play is the exception, not the rule.
Pugh appears to be a casualty of a rule that for the most part does well to ensure player safety.
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