College football players, coaches sound off on controversial targeting rule during College GameDay segment

The sport of college football has seen its fair share of controversy regarding the health and safety of players in recent years.

One of the biggest (and most controversial) rules installed to prevent player injuries has been the targeting rule. However, the definition of targeting is always under the microscope during games, especially when players are thrown out because of it.

College GameDay did a special segment Saturday morning on the targeting rule, featuring the coordinator of officials, Steve Shaw.

“There’s a difference between a guy making a football play and somebody deliberately trying to hurt somebody. We need to wake up.”

Coaches and players weigh in on the controversial targeting rule. pic.twitter.com/1Ln4CtzSUy

— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) September 25, 2021

It’s only appropriate that Arkansas players were featured, as they have had several ejected for the rule just this season.

Last week, Auburn’s Zakoby McClain was flagged for targeting on a questionable call in the game versus the No. 10 Penn State Nittany Lions. The play was reviewed, and McClain’s hit was upheld for targeting. As a result, McClain was ejected in the second half of the Penn State and the first half of the game against Georgia State on Saturday.

On College Gameday, Coordinator of Officials Steve Shaw reiterated that there could be changes to the targeting rule after the 2021 season.