Michigan LB Joe Bolden Gets Ejected vs. Michigan State for Targeting

The Michigan Wolverines defense faced a big challenge midway through the second quarter of Saturday's game against the Michigan State Spartans when linebacker Joe Bolden was ejected on a questionable targeting penalty.

Spartans quarterback Connor Cook took off on 2nd-and-9 from the Wolverines' 45-yard line. Rather than subject himself to a huge shot from a defender, he slid down after a gain of six.

After the slide, Bolden came in a bit late and hit Cook high. However, it appeared as though either his momentum or a block forced him into the quarterback.

The referees immediately threw flags and called a targeting penalty. After review, the call on the field stood, resulting in Bolden's ejection.

Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott had this to say about the call:

On his way off the field, Bolden did what he could to pump up the Big House:

Michigan State scored a touchdown a few plays later to snap Michigan's shutout streak, which lasted more than 212 minutes, or 14-plus quarters.

In the end, Michigan State won 27-23 as time expired on a miraculous fumble-return touchdown off a botched punt.

[Dr. Saturday, Vine]