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Shawn Preston targeting: Fans, media blast controversial call against Mississippi State
Shawn Preston was ejected from Saturday’s game due to a targeting call. Fans and media alike ripped into the officials for the decision.
LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels scrambled, and Preston made the tackle, but was ejected after the review.
Preston appeared to have led with the helmet, but did not make much contact with Daniels’ helmet.
The Mississippi State safety played in all 13 games for the Bulldogs last season and is a big part of the defense. He had 27 total tackles, 1 interception, 2 tackles for loss, and 1 fumble in 2022.
Former LSU running Jacob Hester back even admitted that Preston should not have been ejected for the contact made with Daniels on the hit.
Targeting calls are always tough for the team at fault. Fans could not believe that Preston had to leave the game for his tackle on Daniels.
Here are some of the reactions to the officials’ decision:
That’s not targeting… come on man. What was he supposed to do there?
— Jacob Hester (@JacobHester18) September 16, 2023
How is this targeting?!
Like, what are we even doing right now? pic.twitter.com/0tElMjSJpm
— Aaron Torres (@Aaron_Torres) September 16, 2023
Shawn Preston was just ejected for targeting because of this hit on Jayden Daniels pic.twitter.com/JGs0r77JLB
— Connor O’Gara (@cjogara) September 16, 2023
Miss. State safety Shawn Preston is ejected for targeting on #LSU QB Jayden Daniels. He did lead with the crown of the helmet, but that’s really a harsh call there.
Tigers ball at the MSU 25.— Scott Rabalais (@RabalaisAdv) September 16, 2023
Not targeting.
Not what targeting was even created to curtail.
Remains the worst and most unnecessary rule in sport.
Unnecessary roughness was fine (& this wasn’t that, either). pic.twitter.com/gMaLUtIdYf
— Mark Schipper – 5th Down CFB (@5thDownCFB) September 16, 2023
The fact that Shawn Preston just got thrown out for that hit makes me want to puke. Just so damn stupid. Ridiculous. #LSUvsMissSt
— Mike Johnson (@MPJohnson79) September 16, 2023
Shawn Preston was ejected after this targeting call on Jayden Daniels pic.twitter.com/BZTRqwfZkD
— Bleacher Report CFB (@BR_CFB) September 16, 2023
This was called targeting by Shawn Preston Jr on Jayden Daniels
He was ejected and will miss the first half of Mississippi State’s next game. pic.twitter.com/xHqtl2EVIR
— Sideline Daily (@sideline_daily) September 16, 2023
Shawn Preston was disqualified for targeting on this play.
What a trash call. pic.twitter.com/jKeTaEnzkS
— CJ Vogel (@CJVogel_TFB) September 16, 2023
Grant Bricker was a former freelancer for The News TN in his hometown of Nashville, Tennessee. He now freelances for Saturday Football. Follow on Twitter @GrantBricker.