Given all the focus on targeting in this young college football season, it was really only a matter of time before things got slightly out of hand.
On Saturday night's BYU/Utah Holy War rivalry match-up, two Brigham Young players were ejected for targeting on consecutive plays.
First, Cougars free safety Kia Nacua was ejected for this hit:
BYU FS Kia Nacua called on targeting for this play and disqualified: #HolyWar #BYUvsUTAH pic.twitter.com/FW0TZG5873
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) September 11, 2016
Not to be outdone, Nacua's teammate and backup safety Austin McChesney was tossed for a questionable target.
On the next play, BYU backup safety also called for targeting on this INT play: #HolyWar #BYUvsUtah pic.twitter.com/0vl48SNScB
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) September 11, 2016
The rule as it stands is as follows:
No player shall target and initiate contact against an opponent with the crown (top) of his helmet. When in question, it is a foul. Note: Beginning in 2013, ejection from the game is a part of the penalty for violation of both Rule 9-1-3 and Rule 9-1-4.
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By the rule, both calls are questionable at best, considering neither player seemed to lead with his helmet. But with player safety at the forefront this season (and referees likely looking to avoid continuous questioning), both calls were understandable.
The Utes lead the Cougars 17-14 in the fourth quarter.
