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National Coordinator of Officials explains controversial targeting no-call in Auburn at Kentucky

Grant Grubbs Profile Pictureby: Grant Grubbs15 hours agogrant_grubbs_
NCAA Football: Gildan New Mexico Bowl-Washington State vs Colorado State
Dec 21, 2013; Albuquerque, NM, USA; NCAA referee Ken Williamson during the game between the Colorado State Rams against the Washington State Cougars during the Gildan New Mexico Bowl at University Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

In the third quarter of Kentucky‘s 10-3 win over Auburn on Saturday, Wildcats defensive back Ty Bryant was called for targeting after colliding with Tigers running back Jeremiah Cobb on the sideline. After review, the call was overturned and Bryant was allowed to remain in the game.

Several Auburn fans didn’t hesitate to express their frustration online. On Friday, NCAA national coordinator of officials Steve Shaw explained why Bryant ultimately wasn’t called for targeting on the play.

“No. 23 (Cobb) is a runner, not defenseless, so a crown of the helmet hit is the only possible targeting foul we could have here,” Shaw said. “We see both players lower their head, but the defender lowers his head, he attacks the ball carrier—so there’s an indicator of targeting—but he’s gonna get his head out front.

“There’s no contact with the defender’s crown of the helmet. So, replay’s gonna take the targeting off and No. 14 (Bryant) can stay in the game.”

Auburn fans weren’t the only ones frustrated by the play. Numerous Kentucky fans believed Auburn’s Jeremiah Cobb should’ve been assessed a targeting penalty for lowering his head during the collision. Alas, Shaw also clarified why Cobb’s movements were legal.

“Now, we’ve gotten questions, ‘What about the ball carrier lowering his head here, why not targeting on him?'” Shaw said. “Remember, you must have an indicator of targeting, and that includes an attack of the opponent.

“Here, the ball carrier, he’s lowering his head to brace for contact and gain extra yards. He’s not attacking the defender. So, there’s no targeting for either player in this situation.”

Ty Bryant finished the game with five tackles. On the flip side, Cobb led Auburn’s ground game with 72 yards. He was one of the few Tigers who found success against Kentucky’s defense in the loss.

Auburn amassed just 241 yards of total offense against the Wildcats. Additionally, Auburn committed two turnovers. The school fired head coach Hugh Freeze after the loss and is now engaged in a nationwide search for its next head coach.

The win may have bought Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops more time at the helm of his program. The victory was Kentucky’s first in the SEC this season. Moreover, Kentucky had lost 19 of its previous 20 meetings with Auburn.

On Saturday, Auburn will square off against Vanderbilt. Meanwhile, Kentucky will look to pick up a win against Florida.