the targeting penalty against Maryland, which happened right after DPJ's block in the back. That would have resulted in Michigan having a first down at around the 20 yard line. It is very rare for a team to be given an option to decline an offsetting penalty. I believe 2 of the exceptions happen during kicking situations. So there was no option for Harbaugh to decline the targeting penalty and take the result of the play with the block in the back assessed.
I'm more curious to know how quickly the whistle blew once Higdon stepped out of bounds. If the official blew it right away, I assume the targeting could have been a dead ball foul, which would have resulted in Michigan having a first down at around the 10-11 yard line. I would think had the official blew the whistle immediately, the targeting took place about the same exact time.
Also really curious why there was no personal foul flag thrown on Watson at all, as it should have been obvious to at least one of THREE officials (Umpire, Field Judge, Back Judge) that DPJ was defenseless and Watson wasn't throwing an actual block. Watson plays DEFENSE. If the NCAA/Big Ten had any balls whatsoever, Watson would be suspended for at least one game. At no level was that a football play. He was sizing up DPJ for about 10 yards and intended to injure him. That was textbook head hunting and DPJ is very fortunate he didn't leave the field on a stretcher. Would love to see Harbaugh's reaction when he sees that play on film.
I'm more curious to know how quickly the whistle blew once Higdon stepped out of bounds. If the official blew it right away, I assume the targeting could have been a dead ball foul, which would have resulted in Michigan having a first down at around the 10-11 yard line. I would think had the official blew the whistle immediately, the targeting took place about the same exact time.
Also really curious why there was no personal foul flag thrown on Watson at all, as it should have been obvious to at least one of THREE officials (Umpire, Field Judge, Back Judge) that DPJ was defenseless and Watson wasn't throwing an actual block. Watson plays DEFENSE. If the NCAA/Big Ten had any balls whatsoever, Watson would be suspended for at least one game. At no level was that a football play. He was sizing up DPJ for about 10 yards and intended to injure him. That was textbook head hunting and DPJ is very fortunate he didn't leave the field on a stretcher. Would love to see Harbaugh's reaction when he sees that play on film.
