The Michigan Wolverines opened the season with a 34-17 win over New Mexico on Saturday. Although the Wolverines came out with the win, they lost one of their defensive stars for part of next week in the process.
Linebacker Jaishawn Barham will miss the first half of Michigan's Top 25 matchup with Oklahoma due to a targeting call in the second half of its win over New Mexico.
Barham was ejected from the game on Saturday for his hit on New Mexico quarterback Jack Layne, but hoped after further review, the targeting would taken away. That wasn't case as the NCAA upheld the decision.
Jaishawn Barham's Targeting Decision Upheld
Barham's ejection came early in the third quarter, and although Michigan was able to finish Saturday's win without trouble, now the star linebacker will miss the first half of a pivotal game in Week 2.
"So, it was upheld. We don't agree with it. [Commissioner] Tony [Petitti] doesn't agree with it. [Big Ten VP] A.J. [Edds] doesn't agree with it. It's a rule we have to get changed and we have to look at in college football, just for the general -- the game," Michigan head coach Sheron Moore said (h/t CBS Sports). "Toughness of the game, how you wanna teach tackling, how you wanna teach guys that are 6-foot-3 tackling guys that are 5-foot-8. He lowers his head it might be even worse."
After initial review of a possible fumble, Michigan's Jaishawn Barham is ejected for targeting on the play. pic.twitter.com/1DZywru1mx
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Moore's frustration comes because Barham didn't lead with the crown of his helmet and his head stayed up through the tackle. However, Barham did make helmet-to-helmet contact, which put the play in jeopardy.
Barham started all 13 games for the Wolverines in 2024, finishing second on the team with 66 tackles, and was an Academic All-Big Ten honoree.
The Wolverines star linebacker will be watching from the sideline for the first half against No. 18 Oklahoma, but will be able to return in the second half.