Michigan defender backs teammate on targeting call: 'It's football, I'd do the same'

Michigan football fans weren't happy with the targeting penalty called on linebacker Jaishawn Barham in the second half of the Wolverines 34-17 win over New Mexico.

As it turns out, Michigan football players aren't happy about it either.

Brandyn Hillman, a starting safety for the Wolverines, who intercepted a pass in the Michigan win, didn't hold back when talking to reporters after the game, according to Tony Garcia of the Detroit Free Press.

"I think it was a clean hit. Football, it was aggressive...I’d probably do the same shit," Hillman said.

It goes beyond the fact that Barham's sack was essentially overturned. Instead of New Mexico having to punt, it got a free first down, for a dude playing football.

However, the targeting penalty also comes with a one-game suspension. That's why Barham was ejected for the rest of the game Saturday night at least for the second half. Yet, Barham will also miss the first half against Oklahoma next week, although Michigan can appeal.

As Hillman said, it's football. It's a physical game. Did Barham hit Jack Layne, the New Mexico quarterback hard? Yes. That's the sport.

Was it illegal? No. Also, how many times have we seen a quarterback dodge a blitzer like that and run for a first down? It's not like Layne was giving himself up completely.

So what are defenders supposed to do? Barham hit a guy who lowered his head. It was unfortunate but it's hard to see what he could have done differently.