Oregon loses targeting appeal for linebacker DJ Johnson

Oregon edge rusher DJ Johnson will be required to sit out the first half Saturday against Stanford after his targeting appeal was denied, according to Ducks coach Dan Lanning. Johnson was called for targeting for leading with the crown of his helmet after recording his second sack with 9:28 remaining in last week’s 44-41 victory against Washington State.

“It’s been appealed and it’s been denied,” Lanning said in his Monday press conference.

So far this season, Johnson has 13 tackles and a team-high three sacks. Bradyn Swinson is likely to receive a start at linebacker in his place.

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The targeting appeal process, which was instituted by the NCAA during the offseason, requires the Pac-12 to submit a request to NCAA national coordinator of officials Steve Shaw, who reviews video of the play and decides if the penalty was correct.

Pac-12 clarifies controversial decision in Oregon-Washington State game

The Pac-12 released a statement Sunday regarding a mistake made in the game between Oregon and Washington State on Saturday. The conference simultaneously confirmed that proper protocols were followed during the game to correct the error.

With 12:16 in the second quarter, the Cougars were in possession with a first down at the 42-yard line and called for intentional grounding. The error happened then as the down indicator on the far side of the field changed too quickly to second down, then again to third down before another play occurred.

The mistake was not immediately corrected, and Washington State punted after failing to convert third down. However, the Replay Official realized the error prior to the start of the Ducks’ series and took the correct action according to the conference.

“The Instant Replay Official, in conjunction with the Command Center, stopped the game to review the down situation after the punt and before Oregon snapped the ball for a new series,” the Pac-12 said in its release. “With video evidence of the down box indicator changing incorrectly, the officials ruled that 3rd down should be replayed at the previous spot.

“At no point in time did the replay booth lose communication with the Referee on the field or the Command Center in San Francisco. Ultimately, the correct ruling was reached after review.”

Washington State converted the second third-down attempt, but still ended up punting eventually later on that drive.