In the second quarter of New Mexico vs. Boise State, Lobos quarterback Lamar Jordan went to the locker room after taking this absolutely brutal hit from Broncos sophomore defensive tackle Chase Hatada.
Here’s why this brutal hit during New Mexico-Boise State was upheld as targeting
Ouch.
The hit, which was clearly late to begin with, was flagged for targeting, and the call was reviewed and upheld, ejecting Hatada from the game. Per NCAA rules, when a player’s hit is confirmed as targeting, they sit out for the rest of the game.
No player shall target and make forcible contact to the head or neck area of a defenseless opponent (See Note 2 below) with the helmet, forearm, hand, fist, elbow or shoulder. This foul requires that there be at least one indicator of targeting (See Note 1 below). When in question, it is a foul (Rules 2-27-14 and 9-6). (A.R. 9-1-4-I-VI)
On the hit, you can see Hatada clearly leading to his Jordan with the crown of his helmet, which is one of the things that officials look for when considering targeting. Here’s the description of that portion of the rule:
No player shall target and make forcible contact against an opponent with the crown (top) of his helmet. This foul requires that there be at least one indicator of targeting.
It later expands on that, in another section of the rule:
Leading with helmet, shoulder, forearm, fist, hand or elbow to attack with forcible contact at the head or neck area
Lowering the head before attacking by initiating forcible contact with the crown of the helmet
Jordan left the game after the hit, and third-string Coltin Gerhart is the Lobos’ quarterback for the second half. ESPN’s Laura Rutledge reported early in the third quarter that Jordan is going through the concussion protocol, and if he does return to the sidelines, he’ll be in street clothes.
Kudos to the officials for absolutely making the right call for targeting here.
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