The Gators saw firsthand the consequences of the NCAA’s new targeting rule on Saturday.
In the fourth quarter of then-No. 19 Florida’s (2-1) 31-17 win against Tennessee (2-2) in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, defensive back Brian Poole was ejected after violating the new targeting rule designed to prevent head injuries.
Referees disqualified Poole after he made a high hit on Tennessee tight end Brendan Downs. Following the penalty call, officials reviewed the ejection, which is required by the rule change. After a review, the call was confirmed.
“It was the right call,” coach Will Muschamp said. “I don’t have any problem with the call. I got a problem with the rule.
“Brian Poole was not trying to flagrantly hurt anyone. It’s a bang-bang play.”
By the NCAA’s standards, “targeting” refers to above-the-shoulder hits on players who are deemed to be defenseless. Previously, targeting was only a 15-yard penalty on the targeting player. The rule was changed before the season began.
Because Poole was ejected in the second half of Saturday’s game, he will also be ineligible for the first half of Florida’s game against Kentucky on Sept. 28.
Poole was the first Florida player to be ejected due to the new rule.
“I didn’t like it,” defensive tackle Dominique Easley said. “You know, it’s football. Let him play.”
Injured Gators: Aside from quarterback Jeff Driskel, who suffered a season-ending leg injury in the first quarter against Tennessee, several other Florida players were injured before and during Saturday’s game.
The Gators announced prior to the game that right tackle Tyler Moore (ankle), cornerback Marcus Roberson (knee) and running back Valdez Showers (ankle) would miss the game due to injury.
Moore and Roberson both suffered their injuries against Miami on Sept. 7, while Showers’ injury came during practice on Wednesday.
Muschamp said he expects Moore and Roberson to return against Kentucky but said Showers’ injury may keep the sophomore out longer.
Cornerback Loucheiz Purifoy had to leave the game on Saturday due to a right thigh contusion. Muschamp said the injury was not serious, and he expects Purifoy to return for Kentucky.
Wideouts suspended: Gators wide receivers Latroy Pittman and Demarcus Robinson both missed Saturday’s game due to violations of team rules.
Pittman was suspended before Florida’s season opener against Toledo on Aug. 31.
The team announced Robinson’s suspension before the Gators took the field against the Volunteers on Saturday.
Muschamp said after the game that both Pittman and Robinson will be eligible for next week’s game on Sept. 28.
Follow Adam Lichtenstein on Twitter @ALichtenstein24.
Loucheiz Purifoy runs past a Tennessee defender during Florida’s 31-17 victory against Tennessee on Saturday in Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Purifoy left Saturday's game due to a right thigh contusion.
