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WATCH: Mississippi State player ejected on controversial targeting call

Chandler Vesselsby:Chandler Vessels•10/30/21•

ChandlerVessels

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Mississippi State cornerback Martin Emerson was ejected for targeting during the first quarter against Kentucky on Saturday. Emerson landed a hard hit on Wildcats receiver Wan’Dale Robinson, who was just turning around after securing a catch.

The officials determined the hit met the criteria for targeting and ruled Emerson out for the remainder of the game.

Kentucky held an early 7-0 lead after the end of the first quarter. The Wildcats are coming off of a bye week following a loss to No. 1 Georgia in Week 7. The Bulldogs entered Saturday at 4-3 under coach Mike Leach.

Since he was ejected in the first half, Emerson will be eligible to return next week when Mississippi State faces Arkansas. He was named an honorable mention All-American by Pro Football Focus this past season, so his loss is a huge blow for the Bulldogs. He has recorded 36 tackles including three for loss to go with two passes defended in 2021.

The Bulldogs have a top 30 defense in the country, allowing just 327.1 yards per game. They rank even better against the run, where their 93 yards allowed per contest is ninth in the nation.

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They face tough competition against a Kentucky team that loves to run the ball. Running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. had three carries for 23 yards near the end of the first half. In fact, the Wildcats offense can’t even take credit for their only touchdown so far.

Josh Ali returned a punt 74 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter for the early lead. The Bulldogs responded with a score of their own with 7:45 to go in the second, but still trailed 10-7 with 2:30 remaining in the first half.

Mississippi State will hope that its offense can string together some quality drive to take over in the second. The defense should be able to hold its own, even after Martin Emerson was ejected for targeting.