Each year Steve Shaw announces rule changes and new points of emphasis for officials at SEC Media Days. This year the conference’s coordinator of officials did not bring forth earth shattering news.
The targeting rule remains the same. Defenders cannot launch into a defenseless opponent, lead with the head, neck or shoulder or lower the head to create contact with the crown of the helmet. There’s plenty nuance to the reviewable penalty, but that’s the nuts and bolts.
This year things change once they go to replay. Previously officials had three potential outcomes following a targeting review:
1.