Brian Kelly defended Andre Sam after he was penalized for targeting in LSU’s 52-35 win over Florida.

Sam’s hit of Montrell Johnson Jr. comes a week after the much debated hit in which Alabama’s Dallas Turner was called for roughing the passer but not targeting of LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels, forcing Daniels to essentially miss the rest of the game.

“It’s tragic we throw a kid out of the game because he was trying to play football,” Kelly said.

He added the two hits were different.

“That guy last week that hit Jayden Daniels was trying to take him out,” Kelly said, per On3. “(Andre Sam) was just making a football play.”

Meanwhile, Daniels accounted for 606 total yards and five touchdowns and No. 18 LSU defeated Florida 52-35 on Saturday night. Daniels continued to make his case for the Heisman Trophy, leading the Tigers to touchdowns on five consecutive second half possessions. He completed 17 of 26 passes for 372 yards and three touchdowns, and ran 12 times for 234 yards and two touchdowns to became the first quarterback in FBS history to account for at least 350 yards passing and 200 yards rushing in a game.

Trevor Etienne led the Gators, rushing for 99 yards and three touchdowns on 18 carries.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.