Ohio St. DE Joey Bosa's final game cut short after targeting foul
Joey Bosa's last game in an Ohio State uniform lasted less than a quarter.
The star defensive end was ejected in the first quarter of Friday's Fiesta Bowl after he was called for targeting on Notre Dame quarterback DeShone Kizer. The penalty wiped out an interception by Ohio State defensive back Tyvis Powell.
The targeting rule has been a controversial one since it was implemented in college football in 2013. But there's nothing controversial about Bosa's disqualification. The rule states that a defender cannot lead with the crown of his helmet. Bosa led with the crown of his helmet.
Most targeting fouls have come when a defender makes contact with an offensive player's helmet, so the contact to Kizer's chest likely infuriated many watching the game. However, the rule is not only designed to protect offensive players but defensive players as well. Hits like Bosa's, where the defender lowers his head to initiate contact, can cause severe impact to the neck area.
Bosa, a junior, told Ohio State coach Urban Meyer before the game that he was heading to the NFL draft. Bosa, a possible top-five pick in the 2016 draft, had 16 tackles for loss and five sacks entering the bowl game.
For more Ohio State news, visit BuckeyeGrove.com.
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Nick Bromberg is the assistant editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at nickbromberg@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
