This would’ve been a much better thread if it were a general discussion about targeting penalties, the inconsistent application, and whether the penalty is too severe. It is not a Pac 12 issue, not even a sole college FB issue.
Personally, I would refine the rule to be similar to running into the kicker versus roughing the kicker.
New penalty would be:
1. Helmet to helmet tackle - 15 yards, automatic first down
2. Helmet to helmet with targeting, as above with ejection as currently imposed
Latter penalty would be clear head hunting. Yes, there would still be interpretation involved, but it would better.