Penn State freshman ejected for questionable targeting call

Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Penn State freshman Abdul Carter ejected for questionable targeting call against Purdue

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated Sep 1, 2022 11:08 PM ET

The excitement surrounding the return of College Football dampened a bit during Thursday night's Penn State vs. Purdue clash.

Once again, one of the game's most contentious rules has reared its ugly head.

In his debut for Penn State, freshman Abdul Carter was called for a questionable targeting penalty in the first quarter against Purdue.

After a pass intended for Purdue's Tyrone Tracy came up short, Carter appeared to make contact with Tracy's helmet while attempting to make a play on the ball. Also, contact between Carter and Tracy occurred before the play was officially ruled dead.

Officials reviewed the play before disqualifying Carter from the game.

Penn State LB Abdul Carter has been ejected for targeting.pic.twitter.com/NMgikWEecZ
— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 2, 2022

Arguably, Carter's actions fall within the NCAA's definition of targeting. According to the NCAA rule book, a targeting call can result from "leading with the helmet, shoulder, forearm, fit, hand or elbow to attack with forcible contact at the head or neck area."

While officials may have made the right call, it didn't stop hoards of angry college football fans from voicing their displeasure with the controversial rule.

I forgot how much I absolutely DESPISE targeting.

The sideline referee doesn't even blow his whistle to signal incomplete before Abdul Carter makes the hit. And now he's out of his first ever game at Penn State.

Targeting is the worst rule in sports. pic.twitter.com/6LmioWURvs
— Ben Stevens (@BenScottStevens) September 2, 2022

That’s a horrible targeting call on Abdul Carter.
— Tyler Calvaruso (@tyler_calvaruso) September 2, 2022

Kind of ridiculous personal foul call on Penn State's Abdul Carter. He thinks the ball may be live.
Common sense, FOX announcers ask for ...
— Frank Bodani (@YDRPennState) September 2, 2022

What an absolute joke. Are you absolutely kidding me. Refs are a joke. I've never seen a worse call ever. Justice for Abdul Carter.
— Will Ryan (@will_ryan14) September 2, 2022

Mike Santa Barbara

Mike Santa Barbara is a Wilmington, Delaware native (Yes, it's a real place) with over a decade of sports writing experience. A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, he has two dogs named after Flyers and cried real tears when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. You can follow him on X at @mike__sb

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