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Rutgers defensive tackle Julius Turner has been ejected from the Scarlet Knights’ game vs. Michigan on a questionable targeting call.
It appeared to be a late hit from Turner on Michigan QB Cade McNamara, but officials deemed it more serious than just a roughing the passer penalty. He made contact with McNamara’s helmet, and targeting was called.
Here’s the play:
Rutgers DT Julius Turner has been ejected for Targeting
This is a horrible call, this is getting ridiculous. pic.twitter.com/0Nt8wg1JW0
— NCAAF Nation (@NCAAFNation247) September 25, 2021
Because the play happened in the first half, Turner won’t miss any time vs. Ohio State next week.
However, this is a major blow to Rutgers’ defense as the Scarlet Knights attempt to remain undefeated in 2021. Turner is a senior who already had 3 sacks in 2021 entering today’s game.
For his career, Turner has 18.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks.
Michigan holds a 20-3 lead at halftime of this game. McNamara is 8-for-11 for 156 yards and Hassan Haskins has 2 rushing touchdowns. Blake Corum has 40 yards on 12 carries.
Here’s some of the reaction to Turner’s ejection on a questionable targeting call:
What a world we live in that Julius Turner just got tossed for targeting when he literally pushed the QB to the ground with 2 hands.
— Anthony Muldowney (@littleabird09) September 25, 2021
Oh wow that’s a massive ejection of Julius Turner. He’s a pivotal piece of what Rutgers tries to do on defense as the starting nose tackle
— Alex Drain (@Alex_Drain) September 25, 2021
That is a horrible call against Julius Turner. Definitely a flag, but it’s a football play. You are supposed to hit the QB.
— Scott Turken (@Turk0219) September 25, 2021
Things go from bad to worse for #Rutgers. Greg Schiano's decision to go for it on 4th down with 26 seconds left backfired. McNamara connected with Sainristil for 51 yards to put #Michigan in scoring range. Then DL Julius Turner got ejected for targeting after high hit on QB.
— Michael Cohen (@Michael_Cohen13) September 25, 2021
Julius Turner’s targeting call might be the worst one I’ve seen… Pushed the QB in the middle of his pads WITH HIS HANDS.
Roughing the passer sure, but holy hell this rule needs some serious work.
— New York stress reactions (@SeanFlannery13) September 25, 2021
They need to change the targeting rule. A play like that should not lead to a disqualification. Just absurd. I feel so bad for Julius Turner.
— Daniel Martin (@d_mart97) September 25, 2021
The odds of the Rutgers defense avoiding getting worn down in the second half without Julius Turner and Max Melton doesn’t bode well for a potential comeback. Have to score a touchdown on the opening drive of the second half or the score could get ugly.
— Aaron Breitman (@aaron_breitman) September 25, 2021
Spenser is the news manager at Saturday Road and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.