O.k. I don't know the rules on targeting. I have essentially no idea

[Reality Man]

of how to explain the rule. I can only use logic and from certain commentary on t.v.

Here is my guess. It is trying to limit neck/spine injuries by not having players hit with their heads or hit other players with principally their helmet. Sort of like using your helmet as a spear to tackle or hurt/injure someone.

I think the intent and rule is good. I also don't think referees want to throw out players for things that may be accidental.

Let's go to the Zettel 'hit'. From what I saw...Rudock jumped up but it sure looked like Zettel was leaping forward with his helmet. Great player. I don't have a dog in this fight. I am just trying to figure out what the 'f' is supposed to happen with this rule.

This rule is more complex than the NFL completing a catch rule. Here would be my new rule.

Keep the targeting rule and only eject players when they are...

1. The road player
2. Home player and it's their 2nd call.

That way it's a good compromise and everybody understands when you are a road player you don't tackle/spear with your helmet.



RM

 

[blue-boy]

I thought he "launched" into Rudock...hence the targeting call. Not sure if I understand it much anymore....

 

[ChicagoBlueFan]

of how to explain the rule. I can only use logic and from certain commentary on t.v.

Here is my guess. It is trying to limit neck/spine injuries by not having players hit with their heads or hit other players with principally their helmet. Sort of like using your helmet as a spear to tackle or hurt/injure someone.

I think the intent and rule is good. I also don't think referees want to throw out players for things that may be accidental.

Let's go to the Zettel 'hit'. From what I saw...Rudock jumped up but it sure looked like Zettel was leaping forward with his helmet. Great player. I don't have a dog in this fight. I am just trying to figure out what the 'f' is supposed to happen with this rule.

This rule is more complex than the NFL completing a catch rule. Here would be my new rule.

Keep the targeting rule and only eject players when they are...

1. The road player
2. Home player and it's their 2nd call.

That way it's a good compromise and everybody understands when you are a road player you don't tackle/spear with your helmet.



RM

The enforcement is so uneven they should just get rid of it.
TCU player got tossed tonight for doing almost exactly what the Northwestern player did to our QB. The play today was definitely targeting, but probably the officials were intimidated by the home crowd, so they left him in the game.

 

[Reality Man]

Yep. That's it. Most of these officials just don't want to be harassed going out of the stadium. You can intimidate officials.

Of all the plays I remember seeing so far with UM...the hit against Rudock when he was sliding (Minny?) and the hit by the UM player against some opponent and this one today...this was the most severe. I think the UM player was a linebacker and it was close.

All of this stuff reminds me of the Seattle/Green Bay Monday night game during the strike period and officials see something but they just don't have the heart to make an unpopular call. Not every official but plenty of them want to get paid and just get home without being spit on.


RM

 

[razpsu]

His arms were up and it was clearly not targeting.

 

[ChicagoBlueFan]

His arms were up and it was clearly not targeting.

Um, no.

 

[Go M&B]

His arms were up and it was clearly not targeting.

That's ridiculous. He clearly launched into Rudock and hit him in the helmet. You guys got every call. Must be tough not being able to blame the loss on the officials.

 

[michigangoblue999]

Even Rudock said after the game he doesn't understand the rule, lol.

 

[ChicagoBlueFan]

Even Rudock said after the game he doesn't understand the rule, lol.

The rule appears to be UM QBs are fair game for any and all head shots, and if UM players DO the head shots then it is targeting.

 

[Reality Man]

Or the officials decide based on a secret coin flip.

Maybe there is a sub-rule where if it's senior day then they don't kick the player out.

Or the rule doesn't apply to any games with Big Ten championship implications.



RM