After opening the season with a defensive show, Michigan State football has been slowly regressing in that area. Jordan Hall has been one of the most consistent players on that side of the ball, but he was ejected from Saturday night's game at USC.
The Spartans raced out to a 7-3 lead early on a nice roll-out and throw by Aidan Chiles in the first quarter, but the Trojans would go on to take a 24-10 lead into the half. It was all Trojans from that 7-3 lead onward, and Michigan State probably could have used more help from Hall before he left the game.
Some fans might argue that his hit on a USC ball-carrier shouldn't have been considered targeting. It was a close call, and it felt like the USC tight end turned at the perfect time while Hall was going in for the tackle, and the helmets collided. It wasn't malicious, but it met the requirements, apparently.
The call was slightly controversial, but you be the judge.
After review, Michigan State's Jordan Hall is disqualified for targeting on this play. pic.twitter.com/FKOo5aBxsI
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 21, 2025
The hit was definitely accidental and not malicious to the helmet, but it warranted the penalty, and while it's unfortunate that this leads to an ejection, at least it happened in the first half so he won't miss any time in the Spartans' next game at Nebraska.
It's just unfortunate that the Spartans lose their best defender while the defense is struggling against the nation's best offense. One player can't make or break the defense, but his presence was definitely missed.