Targeting is called inconsistently. Article linked below shows three plays (all by the Gophers), one flagged for targeting.
Targeting Calls in College Football are an Incomplete Safety Solution
It is called inconsistently and I'm not sure it's really making the sport safer. I guess MN is just unlucky to draw so many flags.
E, when i was a lurker, people longed for Dino Babers among others. They wanted these system coaches who could use gimmicky schemes to win games to improve the Illini. The Gophers are halfway decent and like any halfway decent team, using physical advantages can throw off the timing of these gimmick offenses like WSU. It was impressive to see a middle of the road Big Ten team dominate a top Power conference team (NU did it too, though Narduzzi doesnt run gimmicks) it has been a LONG time since the conference has been this good.
