Ryan Day advocates for decreasing severity of targeting penalties
COLUMBUS — Ohio State has no problem with the targeting rule.
The Buckeyes aren’t even arguing about the call that produced the ejection of emerging star Steele Chambers at linebacker.
But coach Ryan Day is now taking exception with the severity of the penalty after getting a first-hand look at just how imbalanced it is with Chambers set to miss what amounts to a complete game given the timing of the flag.
“First off, it’s a unique situation in that it was the first play of the second half,” Day said on Tuesday at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. “That really brought light in my eyes to the fact that there is some inequity on this rule. Where if it’s the first play of the second half or the last play of the second half, that’s significantly different.
“In my mind, the rule should be changed to a 30-minute penalty as opposed to the number of halves. When you do it shouldn’t be the determining factor in how the penalty is assessed.”
There’s nothing that can be done about that rule in the middle of the season, and clearly there is no rescinding of the targeting penalty coming from the Big Ten. Ohio State didn’t even take public exception to the call despite the potentially questionable nature of it with a quarterback sliding late and Chambers unable to alter the his momentum as he prepared for a low tackle.
The Buckeyes also are fully supportive of the intent of the rule to protect players and promote safety. But Day can be added to the list of coaches who believe the punishment is too extreme — and will force Ohio State to get creative to replace arguably its most productive linebacker over the last couple weeks.
“[Palaie Gaoteote] is going to have to come in there and step up, Tommy [Eichenberg] is going to have to get in there,” Day said. “Coach [Al] Washington will move those guys around, and then we’ll get Steele back in the second half.”
Ohio State only got Steele Chambers for one play of the last one. And that’s the only part of the rule the Buckeyes want fixed.
