It was only a matter of time before the NCAA's new targeting rules drew widespread criticism. UGA DE Ray Drew was ejected following a shove to Vanderbilt quarterback Austyn Carta-Samuels. The call was reviewed and upheld by replay officials.
Looks like he might have made a bit of contact with his helmet as he was manhandling him to the groud. You could possibly make the case for roughing the passer. Either way, what Drew did happens regularly on all levels of football, and isn't the kind of play nor hit intended to be an objectionable offense.
There were two other flags today from the same rule in the SEC. Florida's Cody Riggs was thrown out on the first play of the game for this hit on Missouri's L'Damian Washington.
South Carolina's Kadetrix Marcus was ejected for this hit against Tennessee. For what the rule is intended to prevent, this is the most obvious and clear offense.
Hopefully the incident with Ray Drew will be a learning moment from the NCAA, as that type of ejection in a big game would be a major point of contention.
Of course, it already might be. Georgia went on to lose at Vanderbilt for the first time since 1991. If this loss this costs them a shot at the SEC title? That'll be a problem, as targeting player hits is typical of the overreaching NCAA MO of creating rules and adding punishments for breaking them, which only hurts the student-athletes.
#UGA DE Ray Drew ejected for targeting, pending review. No way it holds up on review
— Mark Schlabach (@Mark_Schlabach) October 19, 2013
brb getting ejected for targeting.
— Adam Kramer (@KegsnEggs) October 19, 2013
#gators Cody Riggs ejected for targeting on first play of game. #Mizzou TD on next play
— Mark Schlabach (@Mark_Schlabach) October 19, 2013
Now, in the case of the Florida player, he SHOULD be ejected. He launched himself with the crown of his helmet…
— exhoopsprguy (@exhoopsPRguy) October 19, 2013
South Carolina starting safety just got ejected and he was filling in for starter Chaz Elder who is out for the game. Big loss.
— Bruce Feldman (@BFeldmanCBS) October 19, 2013
Steve Spurrier's visor was just ejected for targeting.
— Matt Dixon (@MattDixon3) October 19, 2013
@GreggDoyelCBS @EyeOnCFB As @kingcfb said, he was ejected for being taller than the QB.
— Patrick (@Patrickarms) October 19, 2013
Georgia's Ray Drew ejected in worst "targeting" call of the season: The NCAA's new "targeting" rule has come… http://t.co/nf7QrZtzzE
— Lincoln NE Daily (@lincolnnedaily) October 19, 2013
Ray runs into the QB and gets ejected….. pic.twitter.com/6Pn0AHST6z
— Israel Troupe (@troupestar28) October 19, 2013
I love Mark Richt's comment to the @CBS sideline reporter. Q: what does it mean the Drew is ejected? A: next guy needs to play good.
— W. Mark Whitlock (@wmarkwhitlock) October 19, 2013
