The Ohio State football program is hoping to have one of the best defenses in the country once again next season. Last season, they led the nation in almost every statistical category. With Matt Patrica returning, the defense should once again be very strong.
One issue that defenses across the country have to deal with is targeting. It's a penalty that frustrates fans all across the country, and it's one that has haunted the Ohio State Buckeyes in the past. No one seems happy with the rule and how it is officiated.
The NCAA seems to have agreed. With it being the offseason, the Competition Committee has decided to change the rule and how penal it will be, although some still think it doesn't go far enough. Regardless, it will certainly affect Ohio State moving forward.
New targeting rule could have major implications for Ohio State football
The new rule that was approved is much less penal than before. From now on, a player who gets called for targeting will be able to play in the entire following game. Last season, a player would have to sit out the first half of the next game if they were ejected for targeting.
If a player has a second targeting foul called on them during the year, the old rules will apply. If a player has a third targeting foul, then they will miss the entire following game. That seems unlikely to happen, as no player was called for targeting three times last year.
If Ohio State loses a player to a targeting penalty, it won't be as penal for them moving forward. The Buckeyes try to emphasize not launching when they are making a tackle. That is when targeting fouls happen. Ohio State does a good job of making tackles within a defined space.