Wisconsin Football: Referee Explains Targeting Calls
By Jim Oxley
Sep 19, 2015; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers head coach Paul Chryst during the first quarter against the Troy Trojans at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
A pair of targeting calls leading to the ejection of both Leon Jacobs and Derrick Tindal based on the targeting rule left many, fans and writers alike, with questions following the Wisconsin football 28-3 win over the Troy Trojans Saturday at Camp Randall Stadium.
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Leon Jacobs was ejected with about five minutes left in the first quarter after absolutely blowing up the Troy quarterback on this hit:
Tough loss as @badgerfootball LB Leon Jacobs was ejected after this hit on the Troy QB.
— Wisconsin On BTN (@WisconsinOnBTN) September 19, 2015
http://t.co/aWoAxx2ShA
Derrick Tindal was ejected moments before the student section Jumped Around in the third quarter break. Here’s what his penalty looked like:
ICYMI: Here is a look at the hit that led to Derrick Tindal being ejected in today's game against Troy. http://t.co/FGyFnKE8Ph
— Wisconsin On BTN (@WisconsinOnBTN) September 20, 2015
While the Badgers would be fine without each player and held their second straight opponent without a touchdown, the calls drew plenty of attention from fans and analysts on social media.
I can't believe that just happened. Wisconsin's Leon Jacobs was ejected for targeting. He was a tenth of a second from a sack. Wow.
— Jesse Temple (@jessetemple) September 19, 2015
Leon Jacobs just got ejected for that hit. Don't get that at all.
— Zach Heilprin (@ZachHeilprin) September 19, 2015
Leon Jacobs ejected for that hit. Wow.
— Jim Polzin (@JimPolzinWSJ) September 19, 2015
I understand the intent of the targeting rule is supposed to be good. But this is absurd. #Badgers DB Derrick Tindal ejected for targeting.
— Jesse Temple (@jessetemple) September 19, 2015
Now a 2nd #Badger ejected for targeting in Derrick Tindal. Understand rule is in place to protect players but what else should he do there?
— Alex Krupski (@AlexJKrupski) September 19, 2015
This time Derrick Tindal hit the player with his arm first. Paul Chryst looks like he's seen a ghost. #Badgers
— Evan Flood (@Evan_Flood) September 19, 2015
That was a REALLY late flag being thrown on Derrick Tindal. He's called for targeting and this call is worse than the last one.
— Benjamin Worgull (@TheBadgerNation) September 19, 2015
Should we preemptively make next week's game a flag football game? I mean come on
— Badger of Honor (@BadgerOfHonorFS) September 19, 2015
The calls also prompted a strong response from the crowd, especially following Tindal’s ejection. Here’s what the Camp Randall faithful had to say as the third quarter ended.
Loud boos. https://t.co/Xfvok8JVc0
— Jim Oxley (@jroxley12) September 19, 2015
Clearly, the targeting rule is in place to protect players from experiencing injuries like the one that left Michael Caputo dazed and confused against Alabama. Now, that play wasn’t targeting, but many people questioned the calls Saturday and it’s clear many are unfamiliar with the rules concerning targeting.
Following the game, a referee spoke to reporters at Camp Randall and explained the calls.
Here’s what he was to say.
Next: Ref Backs Up Calls on the Field