COLORADO SPRINGS, Sept. 8 (UPI) -- Air Force quarterback Chance Harridge will be able to play Saturday against North Texas after being ejected last week for punching a Northwestern coach.
The Mountain West Conference verified Sunday that the Big Ten Conference officials report states that the ejection was for a flagrant personal foul and not fighting as first thought.
Harridge reacted to a blow to the chin he received from a Northwestern assistant coach, whose name was not revealed, following a play in which he was tackled and fumbled near the Wildcats' sideline.
Tapes show that the Northwestern coach was on the field when he struck Harridge with his left forearm. Harridge reacted by punching the coach in the side.
"We don't condone Chance's behavior, but his reaction was an instinctive one," Air Force Athletic Director Randy Spetman said.
Harridge rushed for 45 yards on seven carries and completed 2-of-7 passes for 51 yards before the ejection.
