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Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald: Targeting rule ‘needs to be re-evaluated’
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Northwestern linebacker Nate Hall was ejected for a questionable targeting call while tackling Minnesota quarterback Tanner Morgan — who visibly lowered his helmet before contact — during the team’s 24-14 win on Saturday, sparking some frustration from coach Pat Fitzgerald.
“I believe in why we’ve (added) the targeting rule,” Fitzgerald said, according to the Chicago Tribune. “I voted yes. But we had serious concerns as coaches that it would be overcalled. We judge intent in every other sport. We go to the tape and review fouls in basketball. … It needs to be re-evaluated. We’ve been asking for it as coaches for a number of years.”
Even Big Ten Network analyst Glen Mason and on-site officiating guru Dean Blandino viewed the call as borderline.
“I think we can all see a targeting hit and say, ‘Yup, that’s exactly what should not be in our game.’ And then you see hits like (Paddy Fisher’s in the Music City Bowl) and Nate’s and say: ‘(The runner) was not defenseless,” he continued. “He lowered before we lowered.’ I don’t quite understand how you tackle a guy when you’re trying to turn … and then you can’t play in the next game.”
Fitzgerald is pushing for a two-tiered system to penalize targeting, taking a page from the book of soccer’s yellow/red card system, instead basing the call on the intent of the offending player.
“I don’t believe it’s the officials’ fault,” Fitzgerald added. “They are doing what they are told to do. But there is no appeal process. Nate Hall can’t start on senior day because of an antiquated rule, in my humble opinion. It has to be looked at and addressed. I told Nate: ‘The only thing you should have done differently is not tackle him. And then I’d be ripping your rear end for not tackling the guy.’ ”
Hall will have to miss the first half of the regular season finale against Illinois on Saturday.
Tyler has covered college football on a freelance basis since 2010. In addition to Saturday Football, his work has been featured on ESPN Radio, Bleacher Report, Yahoo! Sports, Cox Media Group, Athlon Sports, and more.