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B1G acknowledges missed call on targeting hit in Ohio State-Minnesota game, P.J. Fleck says
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Targeting is certainly the buzzword of the 2021 season so far, with penalties and ejections peppering the college football landscape at nearly every turn. According to Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck, the B1G acknowledged they missed one.
During what would turn out to be the final possession for the Gophers in Thursday night’s 45-31 loss to Ohio State, Minnesota quarterback Tanner Morgan found Michael Brown-Stephens for a 20-yard gain that took them to the Buckeyes 41 yard line. Ohio State safety Lathan Ransom delivered a blow to the helmet of Brown-Stephens, resulting in a fumble on the play.
After the play was reviewed to establish a fumble or not, no targeting was added to the review process, and Ohio State was given the ball as they recovered the would-be fumble at the time.
Fleck made no qualms about expressing his displeasure at the non-call from the sidelines, to no avail. According to reports, Fleck confirmed he was contacted by the B1G admitting the call was missed and that Ransom should have been called for targeting. He did clarify that the play had no impact on the Gophers losing game.
Note: #Gophers coach PJ Fleck said on @KFAN1003 the Big Ten acknowledged #Buckeyes safety Lathan Ransom should’ve been called for targeting on receiver Mike Brown-Stephens. The message essentially is, we’re sorry, Fleck relayed, while emphasizing it’s not why they lost to Ohio St
— Andy Greder (@andygreder) September 7, 2021
Scott Schultz covers Michigan State Football, along with Breaking News for B1G Football & Basketball for Saturday Tradition. He also serves as an Automotive News Editor & Writer, and Softball Writer elsewhere on the web. Follow him on Twitter @SRSchultz.