ESPN
There have been a lot of arguments over what the “targeting” penalty should apply to in college football. But there’s little-to-no argument about yesterday’s play.
During yesterday’s game between Boston College and Pitt, there was a very clear moment in the game when Khari Johnson of the Eagles launched himself head first towards the head of Pitt tight end Malcolm Epps and smashed his helmet into him.
Khari Johnson was ejected for targetingin what has pretty quickly become one of the most egregious examples of targeting that they’ve seen in quite some time.
Even many fans who tend to disagree with the liberal use of apparent targeting calls agreed that this one will be a textbook example of what not to do on a football field:
People always ask what targeting is. This. This is targeting. pic.twitter.com/6Xkc8ifnxh
— Alex Kuhn (@Alexkuhn523) November 17, 2023
“90% of targeting calls are stupid and weak. The one in the BC/Pitt game may be a felony,” wrote one user.
“Feel like whenever someone needs a textbook definition of targeting, this can be used. #Pitt,” wrote another.
“Is this the most egregious targeting by a defensive back this season? Boston College’s Khari Johnson was rightly ejected from the game against Pitt last night after this appalling hit on tight end Malcolm Epps. Not even pretending it’s a real tackle…” a third wrote.
Was that the worst targeting case you’ve ever seen?