HARRISONBURG – James Madison sophomore linebacker Bryce Maginley will not have to sit out the first half of Saturday’s game at Delaware.

Maginley was called for targeting after officials reviewed his tackle of Maine punter Derek Deoul via video replay late in the fourth quarter of JMU’s 28-10 win Saturday over the Black Bears. Whenever a player is called for targeting, he is ejected and is also sidelined for the first half of his team’s next game.

But Monday, Colonial Athletic Association commissioner Joe D’Antonio called the replay review “invalid.” Between Maginley’s tackle and the video review, an injury timeout and change of possession occurred and JMU ran an offensive snap.

“Per NCAA rules, it is not permissible to review a play once the next play has been run,” D’Antonio said. “Therefore the review that occurred during the end of the JMU-Maine game was an invalid replay review.

“Accordingly, [Maginley] should not have been penalized for targeting and he will not be required to sit out the first half of JMU's next game.”

JMU coach Mike Houston was upset with the call following the game, and said Monday he appreciated the CAA correcting its decision.

“I applaud Commissioner D’Antonio and the CAA office for correcting a mistake that was made late in the ballgame Saturday that would have wrongfully prevented a student athlete from participating in the first half this Saturday," Houston said. “I’m excited to see the decision was adjusted.”

Maginley, a Charlotte, N.C., native, starts at outside linebacker and plays on multiple special teams for the Dukes. He has four tackles and blocked a punt this season.

“Bryce is a guy that I think is still a young player but one that has developed into an important part of our team,” Houston said. “He does a lot of different things for us.

“He’s part of our core special teams units and he is obviously starting for us at bandit right now, so I’m glad he’s not going to sit out the first half for us Saturday. Certainly that’s a boost for our team.”