Penn State football: James Franklin addresses targeting calls

Penn State head coach James Franklin provided his thoughts on this week’s targeting debate. After seeing a targeting call go against his team on Saturday, the penalty took center stage in Monday’s game between Ole Miss and Louisville.

“It’s a challenging thing right now for our game,” Franklin said, via ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg. “We’re going to have ongoing discussions.”

There is not grey area on targeting. The penalty requires a clear indicator and is punishable by 15 yards and an automatic ejection. Franklin and others believe that aspect should change.

“James Franklin believes that the reduction in tackling in practice, per NCAA, along with the targeting rules have affected player’s ability to tackle correctly,” said Kyle J. Andrews of the Centre Daily Times. “Franklin continues on about changes that the NCAA has made, but he believes that his team was well-prepared heading into the matchup with Wisconsin. Mentions a specific drill that he won’t disclose because Penn State may do it differently than others.”

More comments on targeting

Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin threw a barb at Big Ten officials over targeting calls at halftime of the Rebels’ game against Louisville. Kiffin, who wasn’t on the sideline after testing positive for COVID-19, called out the Big Ten officials after four targeting calls in the first half, including two against Ole Miss.

“We just need this Big Ten officiating crew to teach us how to tackle because obviously, we don’t know how,” Lane Kiffin told ESPN’s Molly McGrath when asked about his thoughts on the first half.

Ole Miss linebackers Mark Robinson and Lakia Henry appeared next to each other as potential starters on the depth chart for Monday’s game before being disqualified in the first half on a pair of targeting calls.

NBC rules expert and former NFL referee Terry McAulay also weighed in on Tuesday, calling out coaches for teaching improper technique.

“The rules for targeting have been in place for nine years and most coaches know how to teach,” said McAulay. “What is a foul for targeting is not going to change.”

While McAulay stands firm on the targeting call, he does agree with James Franklin on the need for change as it relates to punishment.

“There should be levels for targeting but asinine comments like this from a major head coach will make it less likely that the college football commissioners will alter their stance and allow levels of targeting,” said McAulay.