LSU's Orgeron Wants Coaches To Band Together To Fight 'Very Unfair' Rule

By The Wildcard October 23, 2018 at 12:59pm

LSU coach Ed Orgeron hopes coaches will band together and demand changes to NCAA football’s targeting rule and how it is enforced.

Orgeron’s suggestion comes just days after a targeting foul called last weekend against LSU linebacker Devin White.

The penalty means White will be suspended for the first half of the fourth-ranked Tigers’ next game against No. 1 Alabama on Nov. 3.

Orgeron said he favors rules designed to protect players’ heads.

However, he said the current rule was enforced in a “very unfair” way against White after linebacker leveled Mississippi State quarterback Nick Fitzgerald in the fourth quarter of LSU’s 19-3 victory Saturday night.

“I don’t think that targeting should have been called. I think he tried to pull off and I think it’s a very stiff penalty,” Orgeron said while speaking before a Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Quarterback Club luncheon on Tuesday.

“He did not try to hit him with his head. He put his hands in front, but it’s the rule, so we have to move on.”

Here’s the targeting call that got #LSU LB Devin White ejected and will force him to miss the first half vs Alabama. pic.twitter.com/qKKtF6QBmy

— Shea Dixon (@Sheadixon) October 21, 2018

Should this have been called a targeting penalty?

Orgeron said he favors officials being given more leeway on such calls, similar to that which they have to differentiate between roughing the kicker and running into the kicker — depending on how reckless the foul is perceived to be.

“Hopefully they do something about it. I think something needs to be done,” Orgeron said. “I’m going to voice my opinion and that’s all I can do.”

Even the governor of Louisiana shared his frustration with the call. Gov. John Bel Edwards went on Twitter to express his displeasure with the call.

Someone is going to have to explain the definition of “targeting” to me. From what I know, that wasn’t it. #GeauxTigers

— John Bel Edwards (@LouisianaGov) October 21, 2018

Orgeron said LSU Athletic Director Joe Alleva has discussed the matter with Southeastern Conference officials, who provide officiating crews for league games.

Orgeron said he does not believe White’s punishment will be changed.

The rule is enforced by the NCAA. Conference commissioners do not have the authority to overturn targeting calls or reduce punishment.

The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.

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