LOGAN, UTAH » University of Hawaii safety Marrell Jackson spent the past two weeks working intensively to heal a surgically repaired left thumb.

After an ill-timed hit on the fifth play of Saturday’s game, he had to twiddle his thumbs for the remainder of UH’s 47-10 loss to Utah State at Romney Stadium.

Jackson was ejected for violating the NCAA’s new rule on "targeting" a defenseless player.

On the opening drive, Utah State’s Darell Garretson threw 11 yards to Travis Reynolds, who was immediately grasped by UH cornerback Ne’Quan Phillips. Jackson then hit Reynolds, drawing a penalty flag.

"The ref made a decision, so I guess it was an illegal hit," Jackson said. "I really can’t say anything about the call. It’s his call. It’s the rule."

But Jackson disagreed with the assessment that he targeted or had malicious intent.

"A guy was already on him," said Jackson, insisting the play was not whistled stopped. "I tried to take him down. My right arm wrapped it. My left arm didn’t come. He tried to buckle down. I tried to make a collision."

Reynolds was not injured on the play. He ended up with eight catches for 152 yards and a touchdown.

Chow said Jackson was trying to play "tough, hard-nosed football."

UH defensive coordinator Thom Kaumeyer questioned whether the play merited an ejection.

"I hope people look at that rule and not be so severe (with the punishment)," Kaumeyer said.

Kaumeyer said tougher penalties apparently have resulted in fewer helmet-to-helmet hits.

"But there’s still a lot of gray area," Kaumeyer said, noting there are questions about interpreting intent and determining the actual contact point when either the ball-handler or defensive player lowers his body before the hit.

Jackson’s ejection forced the Rainbow Warriors to alter the game plan they had practiced during the week.

Jackson, who missed UH’s previous game because of the thumb injury, and John Hardy-Tuliau were supposed to align as the safeties. Charles Clay and Trayvon Henderson practiced as the extra defensive backs in sub-packages.

With Jackson out, Clay moved to safety in the base defense. When the Aggies used four-receiver sets, Henderson became the nickelback, cornerback Dee Maggitt became the nickel-corner, and Anthony Pierce entered as the cornerback. Kawika Borden came in to spell Clay for some plays.

Kaumeyer said: "Things happen. You have to adjust."

The Mountain West Conference can review the play to determine whether Jackson’s ejection was warranted. It is probably moot because Jackson is eligible to play in the Navy game.

"You have to keep moving forward," Jackson said.