Texas A&M DB Dalton Brooks ejected for targeting in 3rd quarter vs. Florida
Texas A&M defensive back Dalton Brooks was ejected from the Aggies game against Florida in the second half for targeting. Brooks will miss the first half of Texas A&M’s next contest, against Bowling Green, because the penalty happened in the second half.
As Florida wideout Tank Hawkins came upfield as a ball carrier, Brooks closed to make the tackle and lowered his head. He made what the referees determined was forcible contact with the crown of his helmet and confirmed the targeting on review, despite most of the contact being to Hawkins’ chest.
The hit itself was eye-catching, too, as Hawkins was knocked off his feet by the blow from Brooks.
Texas A&M led Florida, 33-7, at that point in the game, but the Gators quickly finished a touchdown drive to make the score 33-14 late in the third quarter.
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There was a more controversial targeting on Saturday in the The Swamp
Florida defensive back Trikweze Bridges was ejected for targeting late in the first half against Texas A&M. He went to make a tackle on Aggies receiver Noah Thomas and, after review, the call stood.
Bridges appeared to be going to wrap up Thomas’ legs to make the tackle, but the officials ruled he led with the crown of the helmet – resulting in his ejection. ESPN rules analyst Matt Austin explained the reason for the call, noting the difficulty, but noting it was targeting by the letter of the law. However, Bridges was going to form a tackle, which made it tough to call.
The play occurred just before halftime, which means Bridges’ status won’t change for next week’s game against Mississippi State. However, the call quickly came into question considering where he hit Thomas.
“This is extremely unfortunate for the Florida player, because when you look for an indicator, yes, lowering the head is an indicator,” Austin said on the ABC broadcast. “But you always look for a launch and an attack and an attempt to punish the defender. This player wrapped up the receiver.
“It looked like he was trying to make a form tackle. Yes, his head got a little low, he did hit with the crown. By the strictest definition, yes, this is targeting. But man, this is close to the line.”
At the time of his ejection, Trikweze Bridges had three total tackles for Florida. He’s in his first season with the Gators after transferring from Oregon.
Saturday’s decision was the 2nd targeting of the year on Brooks
Brooks was ejected on the first defensive drive of the game for the Aggies after he was called for targeting for a late hit on Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard in Week 1.
As Leonard gave himself up on a slide after scrambling for a 1st down, Brooks came in late, lowered his head, and hit Leonard’s head with the crown of his helmet. Even if Brooks avoided leading with the crown of his helmet, Leonard was deemed defenseless so forcible contact to the head and neck area would’ve still been targeting.
Because Brooks was ejected in the first half, he did not miss any time in Week 2.
Shortly after the ejection for targeting, Notre Dame tied the game at 3 a piece with a long field goal.