Michigan suffers massive loss for Oklahoma game due to targeting call

Michigan football linebacker Jaishawn Barham will be suspended for the first half of the Oklahoma game due to a targeting penalty called against New Mexico in the second half on Saturday night in the season opener.

With Michigan football leading 27-10, Barham came off the edge on blitz and drilled New Mexico quarterback Jack Layne. The ball actually appeared to come out. Barham picked it up and ran it in for a touchdown.

However, it didn't end up being a touchdown, or even a fumble. Instead, it was a first down for the Lobos due to a targeting call on Barham, who did nothing more than make a tackle. The linebacker was playing football and was ejected from the game for targeting because the official said he lowered his head with intent.

Jaishawn Barham was ejected from the game for a clean hit

Did Barham intend to hit the offensive player hard? Yes. That's the sport. This is football. But it wasn't an illegal hit. It shouldn't have been penalized. It should have been a sack and a punt for New Mexico.

Instead, the Lobos got a free first down. Then, they got another when a New Mexico wide receiver dropped a pass, but it was called a reception. The replay officials didn't stop it for a review, and it eventually led to a New Mexico touchdown.

What's even worse is that Barham was ejected from the game. He will miss the second half of the New Mexico game and also the first half of the Oklahoma game next week, which is the real penalty.

College football has to change this rule. Now, because of the poor call by one official, Barham can't play next week, because he was playing football.