Simeon Barrow ejected for targeting, to miss first half against Maryland

Michigan State defensive lineman Simeon Barrow was ejected in the third quarter against Purdue for targeting for a tackle on the quarterback. Barrow’s helmet collided with the helmet of Purdue quarterback Aidan O’Connell. Due to the ejection taking place in the second half of the game, Barrow will miss the remainder of the game against Purdue and the first half of their next game against Maryland.

Simeon Barrow called for targeting

As O’Connell began to run the football, Barrow met him and delivered a huge hit to bring him down. The play was immediately flagged for targeting and went to official review to confirm the call. The targeting penalty was confirmed by the officiating crew, after replay showed Barrow’s helmet collide directly with O’Connell’s head.

The Boilermakers would finish the drive with a touchdown run in the red zone, taking the lead back at 28-21 after Michigan State fought back to tie the game in the third quarter.

The targeting penalty drew criticism from Spartans fans as the play appeared to happen because Barrow was being brought down by the blocker he was engaged with. As Barrow leaned in to make the tackle, O’Connell dropped his head down and the impact occurred.

Whether Barrow intended to lead with his helmet, the contact occurred and the penalty was enforced.

Payton Thorne’s big touchdown run

Michigan State quarterback Payton Thorne tied the game against Purdue with a 32-yard touchdown run to open the third quarter. After the Michigan State defense began the half by forcing a fumble, their offense didn’t take long to capitalize and tie the game at 21-21.

On a designed quarterback draw run, the Spartans offense executed the play perfectly to give Thorne a hole to run through. Purdue defensive back Marvin Grant came inside to better cover the run and got trapped just a slight amount behind his own teammate being blocked.

From there Thorne’s speed took him right past Grant and although he was nearly tripped up before scoring, Thorne finished the play strong. The touchdown was his first rushing score of the day and his second touchdown overall.

After scoring to end the half, Michigan State managed to reach the end zone again to start the third quarter and tie the game. The Spartans entered the second half looking to defend their recent No. 3 ranking received in the first College Football Playoff rankings of the season.