ESPN rules analyst calls out officials for overturning South Carolina targeting call against Beau Pribula

South Carolina dodged a major bullet Saturday night in its matchup against No. 23 Missouri.

Standout defensive back/kick returner Vicari Swain was initially called for targeting following a hit to the head of Mizzou quarterback Beau Pribula, who was mid-slide when Swain hit him in the helmet. The targeting call was however overturned, allowing Swain to remain in the game and remain eligible for the first half of next week’s game against Kentucky.

ESPN‘s Rules Analyst Matt Austin did NOT agree with the overturn of the call, claiming that the sport needs to do a better job at protecting their quarterbacks.

South Carolina’s starting CB and star punt returner was called for targeting here (which would have kept him out for the remainder of this game and the first half of the Kentucky game).

Then it was overturned… what are your thoughts? pic.twitter.com/NB31SsjiCy

— Dylan Ballard (@DylanBallard_UK) September 21, 2025

“The way I understand it is that they don’t think that (Pribula) is defenseless because of the slide,” Austin said. “I disagree. I think we need to take better care of our quarterback’s and just because it’s a bad slide, he’s definitely giving himself up. That’s a bad hit we don’t want in football. I disagree with the call.”

Announcer Dave Pasch did not agree with the overturn of the call either. “I’m with you, I’m really surprised they overturned that,” Pasch said. “It’s a dangerous play.”

Retaining Swain was huge for the Gamecocks, as he is currently second on the team with six tackles and one pass deflection Saturday night. He has also returned three punt return touchdowns through three games this season.