Conclusion: Targetting does not require a player to be defenseless.

[HomeBoyDawg]

On the kickoff where the A&M player was hit, SEC office first said he was not defenseless so they didn't even review the play. When they realized they misinterpreted a pretty important rule, they changed their story to "he did not lead with the crown of the helmet" which he obviously did. I believe the kid that was hit was taken to the locker room. I hope the SEC office catches hell for this. They should have at least reviewed the hit.

 

[missouridawg]

On the kickoff where the A&M player was hit, SEC office first said he was not defenseless so they didn't even review the play. When they realized they misinterpreted a pretty important rule, they changed their story to "he did not lead with the crown of the helmet" which he obviously did. I believe the kid that was hit was taken to the locker room. I hope the SEC office catches hell for this. They should have at least reviewed the hit.

How so? Isn't the word defenseless in the rule?

 

[HomeBoyDawg]

This was shown during the game (3:26 CST if taping):

TARGETING
ARTICLE 5 A. THE REPLAY OFFICIAL SHALL REVIEW ALL TARGETING FOULS, RULES 9-1-3 AND 9-1-4. THE REVIEW INCLUDES ALL ASPECTS OF THE TARGETING FOUL TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER THERE IS AT LEAST ONE INDICATOR OF TARGETING ACTION (NOTE 1 TO RULES 9-1-3 AND 9-1-4), AND:
1. WHETHER THE CROWN OF THE HELMET IS USED TO MAKE FORCIBLE CONTACT (RULE 9-1-3); OR
2. WHETHER THERE IS FORCIBLE CONTACT TO THE HEAD OR NECK AREA OF A DEFENSELESS OPPONENT (RULES 9-1-4 AND 2-27-14).
B. THE REPLAY OFFICIAL MAY CREATE A TARGETING FOUL, BUT ONLY IN EGREGIOUS INSTANCES IN WHICH A FOUL IS NOT CALLED BY THE OFFICIALS

 

[EngDawg]

"Targeting and Initiating Contact With the Crown of the Helmet (Rule 9-1-3)

No player shall target and initiate contact against an opponent with the crown (top) of his helmet; unless said player plays for Alabama. When in question, it is a foul.

Targeting and Initiating Contact to Head or Neck Area of a Defenseless Player (Rule 9-1-4)

No player shall target and initiate contact to the head or neck area of a defenseless opponent with the helmet, forearm, fist, elbow or shoulder; unless said player plays for Alabama. When in question, it is a foul. (Rule 2-27-14)

Note: Beginning in 2013, ejection from the game is a part of the penalty for violation of both Rule 9-1-3 and Rule 9-1-4; unless said player plays for Alabama."