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Targeting controversy: OSU’s Lathan Ransom avoids penalty after helmet-to-helmet hit on Mike Brown-Stephesn
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Lathan Ransom might have been a little lucky on Thursday night in Minneapolis.
Late in the fourth quarter, Tanner Morgan delivered a pass to Mike Brown-Stephens that resulted in a 20-yard pickup. Ransom then delivered a vicious hit on the Minnesota receiver, which appeared to involve helmet-to-helmet contact.
There was no penalty flag thrown. Even though the play was reviewed, officials determined Brown-Stephens caught the pass and fumbled and the Buckeyes recovered the football. There was no mention of targeting.
At the time of the play, Minnesota was trailing 45-31, hoping to pull within one possession. Below is the clip of the play:
Should this be called targeting?
— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 3, 2021
Targeting is a controversial rule with many intricacies. Basically, no official in college football knows how to properly officiate the rule.
This was another controversial situation. This time, it went in favor of the Buckeyes. Next time, who knows?
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB