Getty Image
Brian Kelly was not happy with one of his players being ejected for targeting in a game against Florida. The LSU head coach ripped the ruling, which came one week after a questionable hit on his own QB was not reviewed against Alabama.
In the Tigers’ matchup with Florida, defender Andre Sam was thrown out after a helmet-to-helmet tackle on a Gators ball carrier.
While it might’ve fit the description of the rule, Kelly didn’t believe intent was taken into consideration.
“It was a normal football play, where a running back is lowering his shoulder, and we are trying to make a tackle,” the head coach said. “We’re not targeting, we’re not trying to lead with the helmet. We’re just trying to make a tackle.”
LSU Safety Andre Sam has been ejected for targeting. Here is the hit. pic.twitter.com/FJD8HxeI6q
— Matthew Brune (@MatthewBrune_) November 12, 2023
Brian Kelly compared that hit to one from last week which concussed his starting quarterback but wasn’t reviewed for targeting.
That no-call garnered much criticism and forced Jayden Daniels to the sideline for the remainder of that contest.
“Last week, that guy that hit Jayden Daniels, was trying to knock him out. You can say whatever you want. But that’s what he was trying to do. Our guy was trying to make a tackle.”
“The quarterback in that position is defenseless by definition. So forceable contact initiated to the head and neck area could potentially lead to targeting.”
Alabama LB Dallas Turner was penalized for this hit on LSU QB Jayden Daniels but targeting wasn’t called or reviewed. pic.twitter.com/LGDr6nWQlV
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 5, 2023
Dallas Turner, the Alabama linebacker that made the hit, was penalized for roughing the passer, but remained in the game. The hit was not reviewed for targeting.
A number of others sided with Brian Kelly’s stance.
Targeting is broken in College Football
— Josh Pate (@LateKickJosh) November 12, 2023
It will be interesting to see if Kelly’s criticism leads to change.