MSU lost the designated defender who gets direct contact from the coaching staff through a helmet radio.
While Michigan State football fights to stay unbeaten in Week 4 against Southern Cal, its hopes of picking up a win in Los Angeles took a major hit, as linebacker Jordan Hall was flagged for targeting against USC tight end Lake McRee and was ejected from the game on Saturday, Sept. 20, as a result.
Hall is a leader on the Spartans defense, winning the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week following the team's win over Boston College on Sept. 7. He is algo the "green dot" linebacker, the designated defender who gets direct play calls and communication from the coaching staff through a helmet radio, identified by a green dot sticker on the back of his helmet.
Linebacker Wayne Matthews III took Hall's place as the green dot defender for the Spartans.
It didn't take long for the Trojans to take advantage of Hall's absence. On the next play, USC quarterback Jayden Maiava found receiver Makai Lemon on a 40-yard touchdown pass to give the Trojans a 17-7 lead.
The one good bit of news for MSU: Hall's ejection in the first half Saturday means he won't have to sit out the first half of the Spartans' next game, at Nebraska on Oct. 4 after their bye next week.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan State's Jordan Hall ejected for targeting penalty in USC game
Category: General Sports
