Tylan Wallace Levels Baylor Defender, Targeting Call Overturned

Tylan Wallace was flagged for targeting on Saturday in the second quarter of OSU’s tilt against the Baylor Bears, but a subsequent review by replay officials overturned the call on the field.

Here’s a look at the play in question, in which Tylan absolutely crushes a defenseless Baylor defender.

Though Wallace did not lead with the crown of his helmet, one of the hallmark indicators that typically leads to a targeting call, it does appear he may have gotten away with another section of targeting regarding forcible contact to the head or neck area of a defenseless opponent.

No player shall target and make forcible contact to the head or neck area of a defenseless opponent (See Note 2 below) with the helmet, forearm, hand, fist, elbow or shoulder. This foul requires that there be at least one indicator of targeting (See Note 1 below). When in question, it is a foul (Rules 2-27-14 and 9-6). (A.R. 9-1-4-I-VI)

Baylor coach Matt Rhule was heated about the overturned call of targeting on Wallace on that play, and made his angst felt with the officiating crew. He quickly drew an unsportsmanlike conduct play moments later.

Though OSU did not score on the drive despite extra yardage from Rhule’s penalty, it’s a win for the Pokes to keep their best player Tylan Wallace, who came into Saturday with the fifth-most receiving yards in the NCAA, on the field for the rest of the game despite what appeared to be an obvious targeting violation.