Roman Wilson leaves game after overturned targeting call

In the first quarter of Saturday’s game against Maryland, Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson took a huge hit from Terps defender Dante Trader Jr. Initially, the referees called targeting on the play, but overturned the call after review.

Nonetheless, Wilson was shaken up and headed to the locker room, according to The Wolverine’s Clayton Sayfie. The FOX broadcast crew later showed him on the sidelines in street clothes, meaning his day was over.

It proved to be Wilson’s only reception of the game, for 23 yards.

After review there is no foul for targeting on this hit ⬇️

Do you agree with the call? pic.twitter.com/V15kIxwmrv

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 18, 2023

FOX’s Jenny Taft later reported the decision was likely out of precaution as Michigan gets ready for the biggest game of the year against Ohio State next week.

“Receiver Roman Wilson, in street clothes on the sideline now. I’ve been told that this [is] more of a precautionary decision given the score right now and, as we all know, that big game we’ve got lurking next week,” Taft said.

Wilson has been the top target for J.J. McCarthy this year, leading Michigan with 589 yards. He also ranks second in the Big Ten in receiving touchdowns behind Ohio State star Marvin Harrison Jr.

It’s been a tumultuous few weeks for Michigan, which is going through Saturday’s game without Jim Harbaugh once again. He’s serving his suspension through the end of the regular season as part of a punishment issued by the Big Ten under its sportsmanship policy. It’s part of the process of an ongoing sign-stealing investigation, and Sherrone Moore will serve as the acting head coach through the suspension.

The program has rallied behind Harbaugh since the conference handed down the suspension, and the players have been vocal in their support. That includes Wilson, who wore a “Free Harbaugh” shirt prior to kickoff of Saturday’s game.

Although Harbaugh can’t be on the sidelines for games, he can still help out with game prep. That’s why, according to Moore, it will be a group effort as the coordinators step up to fill Harbaugh’s shoes.

“The big thing is that it’s a big, collaborative effort. When the defense is up, we allow [defensive coordinator] Jesse [Minter] and their staff to really take full control of what’s going on,” Moore said. “And if there’s any big decisions to be made, I’ll make them.”

Moore further explained how game days are a group effort for Michigan, even if he is technically the acting head coach.

“I’ll operate with the offense. Jesse will handle the defense. And any final calls, final decisions, I’ll handle,” Moore said. “But it’s a big, collaborative effort as a staff.”

Matt Connolly contributed to this report.