NCAA’s rule is right on targets

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Four players were ejected from three major college football games for targeting, including three during a pair of early Top 25 games on Saturday.

Lamarcus Brutus, a starting safety for No. 11 Florida State, was ejected in the first quarter against South Florida. He was joined by USF linebacker Auggie Sanchez in the third quarter. Auburn cornerback Blake Countess was tossed during the first half against Jacksonville State.

In Boulder, Colo., Buffaloes defensive back Afolabi Laguda was called for targeting a Massachusetts player.

Brutus made contact with South Florida’s Lamar Robbins with his helmet during a punt return by Jesus “Bobo” Wilson. Later, Sanchez launched and made late contact with quarterback Everett Golson on a thirddown play.

“I mean, those are big calls. You’re talking about guys sitting out a game,” Florida State coach Jimbo Fisher said after the game. “We don’t want anybody to get hurt. If anybody is doing that, they should be penalized and punished.”

Late in the first half of the game between No. 6 Auburn and Jacksonville State, quarterback Eli Jenkins was sliding at the end of a run when Countess led with his helmet on a hit.

All four penalties were reviewed by replay and confirmed. Targeting penalties are 15 yards and an ejection in college football.

Laguda was called for targeting when he hit Sharif Custis with the crown of his helmet as the UMass tight end tried to haul in a touchdown pass late in the second quarter. After a review, the ruling stood.

On the final play of the Florida State game, the Seminoles nearly lost safety Nate Andrews for the first half of Friday’s game at Boston College when he was flagged for targeting but it was overruled.