FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas coach Bret Bielema agrees with the targeting call that led to safety De’Andre Coley being ejected for the second time this year Saturday against Ole Miss, then suggested he’d be open to a similar penalty for the personal foul hit on Austin Allen in the same game.
Coley was ejected on a targeting call after hitting Ole Miss receiver Van Jefferson as cornerback Henre’ Toliver intercepted Chad Kelly in the third quarter of the Razorbacks’ 34-30 win.
On the ensuing drive, Ole Miss defensive tackle Breeland Speaks was flagged for roughing the passer when he grabbed Austin Allen’s facemask with his right hand after Allen released a pass, yanking the quarterback’s neck to the left.
“That was a pretty flagrant hit,” Bielema said. “You’d almost wish all those things would get grouped together. When someone’s safety is at risk, I would rather be heavy than light.”
On the hit in question, Allen quickly got back to his feet to make sure the flag was thrown. He didn’t miss a play and later led his third game-winning drive of the season as the Hogs earned their second win over a ranked foe.
“He got up like he was going to fight the guy,” offensive coordinator Dan Enos said of his quarterback. “Which I’m glad he didn’t, but that’s the type of guy he is. It doesn’t matter how big, how strong (someone is), he’s going to go back at you. That’s a credit to his competitiveness and toughness.”
Arkansas will be down to two experienced safeties in the first half of the Auburn game. Because Coley’s targeting penalty happened after halftime, he’ll miss a half of the Hogs’ first true SEC road game. It’s Coley’s second ejection this year after also being flagged for targeting in the first half of the Texas A&M game.
“He did do it a little different than he did the last one, but it was still the right call,” Bielema said. “As coaches, we talk about taking care of the intended receiver. If he just comes at him and high screens him there, there’s no call. We’re trying to curb our players’ behavior and approach and obviously we didn’t get that point across, so I as the head coach have to do that.”