Kane Wommack Addresses Controversial Targeting Call on Justin Jefferson

During the first half of the Crimson Tide's inaugural road game of the Kalen DeBoer era, the defense will be without inside linebacker Justin Jefferson.

In the fourth quarter of Alabama's 42-16 victory over South Florida, Jefferson was flagged for targeting in response to a tackle he made on USF quarterback Byrum Brown.

When asked about the play, Alabama's defensive coordinator Kane Wommack had this to say, "We looked at the play, I looked at it from about every angle I could, I think we’ve just got to tell the young man to keep playing."

Here is the play.

Luckily for Alabama, the defense boasts a trio of inside linebackers that is headlined by Deontae Lawson and Jihaad Campbell. Jefferson has been making an impact during his more limited snaps, but Wommack will be prepared to sub him in the second half.

"It is what it is. We’ll deal with it and get ourselves ready for him in the second half," Wommack said.

The Crimson Tide isn't the only ones dealing with suspensions because of targeting as Wisconsin will also be without a key part of their defense.

Badgers' starting linebacker Jack Chaney, who finished second on the team in tackels last season with 80, was ejected in the second half of Wisconsin's 27-13 win over South Dakota, which will cause him to miss the first half of this Saturday's matchup.

Fox's Big Noon Kickoff will be in Madison, Wisc., for the Big Ten versus SEC clash as kickoff is set for 11 a.m. Central Time.

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