The NCAA's targeting rule was approved this offseason, with the intent to eliminate tacklers leading with their helmets to stop ball carriers. The penalty was set at ejection for athletes who are guilty of the act, with officials using replay to confirm it.
ESPN reported that two prominent coaches, Alabama's Nick Saban and Texas' Mack Brown, criticized the handling of the rule Monday.
Saban was upset about its use in Saturday's game between the top-ranked Crimson Tide and sixth-ranked Texas A&M. Alabama safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix was penalized 15 yards and ejected for leading with his helmet in making a tackle. The ejection was overturned after officials viewed the replays, but the 15-yard penalty stood.
Brown voiced his opinion after Texas safety Adrian Phillips was flagged for targeting but also had his ejection rescinded after replay.
-- Bill Bradley, contributing editor