Pearson’s penalty five plays later was more cut and dried — he hit McCaffrey’s head and shoulders while McCaffrey was being tackled by Jack Sanborn. McCaffrey suffered a concussion on the play, and Pearson sent him a message on Twitter, writing, “I wish you nothing but the best and hope you’re doing OK. Never my intent to slow down the big things you have ahead of you. God bless.”

Chryst said Monday no one wants to see injuries and that defenses are playing smarter as a result of the rule, but acknowledged it’s an imperfect system.

“The intended rule and purpose behind it, I think everyone would agree with,” he said. “Anytime you get into, ‘How does this apply?’ I think there are times where there’s unintended consequences.”

Wilder, sophomore Tyler Mais and redshirt freshman John Torchio are all in line for more snaps against the Wildcats. Wilder said while their numbers are down, the safeties on the field can’t afford to be less aggressive.

“Don’t think, just go, and whatever happens we’ll find a way to adjust,” he said.