Nick Herbig got ejected from the Nebraska game for a targeting call. Herbig hit Casey Thompson after the Huskers QB slid to avoid contact.

Herbig talked further about the controversial penalty at the team’s press conference on Monday.

Interim HC Jim Leonhard stated that Wisconsin is trying to appeal the decision since Herbig will be missing the first half against Minnesota this Saturday.

The Wisconsin LB said that he tried to do everything in his power to avoid Thompson.

“I saw him break the pocket and I didn’t think he was going to slide,” said Herbig. “I thought he was going to try to make a statement. He went down at the last second and I did everything in my power to avoid him. I really did.”

Herbig further went on to explain his decision by stating how Thompson usually doesn’t slide very often. Thompson typically likes to finish plays.

Herbig respected how Thompson tried to get extra yardage in the game.

“He likes to finish plays,” said Herbig. “He doesn’t really slide much and early in the game he was running. He wasn’t sliding at all. He was trying to get every yard he could, which I respect. Especially a quarterback.”

We’ll keep you updated on if Wisconsin’s appeal works. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN.