Georgia DB Dan Jackson ejected for targeting vs Texas

Georgia is attempting to hold on against Texas, currently being up 15 with just under 12 minutes to go. Unfortunately, they will be down a man in the secondary due to a targeting call. Defensive back Dan Jackson was flagged for a hit on Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden and was ejected from the game.

Golden made a catch over the middle of the field before Jackson came running downhill. He lowered the crown of his head and the flag immediately came out. As usual, the officials went to the replay booth to confirm the call.

ESPN’s Bill Lamine agreed with the call, saying that even though there was not head-to-head contact on the play, there was enough to throw Jackson out of the game. Golden’s shoulder is where Lamine sees the contact but still falls under the targeting rule.

“Now remember, he doesn’t have to hit him in the head,” Lamine said. “If he uses the crown of the helmet with forceable contact of the shoulder, you still have a targeting call.”

Now, Jackson will miss the final stretch of Saturday’s game against Texas. Since the penalty occurred in the second half, he will not be able to play in the first half of Georgia’s next game either. The Bulldogs have a bye week before heading to Jacksonville to play Florida in the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party. Just over three quarters of play for Jackson is now gone due to targeting.

Jackson is a fifth-year senior, playing in all six Georgia games this season. He has recorded 31 tackles, 1.5 TFLs, an interception, and a fumble recovery. Not the biggest name on the UGA roster but somebody who plays a key role.

Thankfully, there was no injury to Golden following the play. He did stay down on the field for a brief moment but remained in the game in the ensuing plays. Texas will need Golden to remain out there if there is any kind of chance of making a comeback.