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Targeting call mistake

The Big Ten acknowledged Wednesday that the targeting call on Penn State linebacker Brandon Smith during Saturday’s game at Michigan should have been overturned by the replay official.

“We do not find fault with the flag that was thrown by the on-field officials as they are instructed to prioritize player safety when making calls,” the league’s statement read.

“Targeting occurs when a player takes aim at an opponent, whether the crown of the helmet is used to make forcible contact to the head or neck area of a defenseless opponent, or whether there is forcible contact to the head or neck area of a defenseless opponent that goes beyond making a legal tackle, a legal block, or playing the ball. In this particular play, the defender was making a legitimate attempt to get to the ball and, upon full review, the call of Targeting should have been reversed by the Replay Official.”

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