re: If targeting is about player safety...

Knee pads prevent stinger type injuries, not major twisting injuries.

Mouthpieces protect teeth. Would suck to lose them, but a little cosmetic dentistry and you’re good.

That said, the rule book says pants should be below the knees and mouth guards must be worn.

I know the SEC called penalties for these in the 90s and early 00s with Bobby Gaston as director of officiating.