Cal’s Dykes says targeting rule puts officials in ‘difficult position’

[...] on Tuesday, after hearing wide receiver Bryce Treggs field a question about the targeting rule, Cal’s head coach interjected.

Losing the first-team all-conference selection was a major blow for the Falcons, who then surrendered numerous big pass plays.

Air Force’s run-oriented offense couldn’t keep pace with Cal in a 55-36 loss in the Armed Forces Bowl.

Air Force head coach Troy Calhoun, a former member of the rules committee, explained that the spirit of the targeting rule is to punish blatant head shots.

Quarterback Jared Goff, a projected first-round pick in the NFL draft, received plenty of attention for his stellar performance in what was likely his final college game.

“Really proud of our seniors, what they’ve done for this program, the way they hung in there and kept believing and kept battling when it hasn’t always been easy,” Dykes said.

Treggs and fellow wide receiver Darius Powe combined for 213 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

Safety Stefan McClure and defensive end Kyle Kragen finished second and third on the team, respectively, with nine and eight tackles.