Shilo Sanders did not finish Saturday night’s game against UCLA after being ejected for targeting. The questionable call has sparked widespread debate across college football.
It was rather awkward.
Shilo Sanders, who missed a portion of the season due to a kidney issue, continues to be the Buffaloes’ second-leading tackler. His presence on the defense cannot be understated.
Prior to his removal from the contest, Sanders was laying big, bone-rattling hits on the Bruins. As a result, the game was very close during the first half.
The home side took a 7-6 lead into the locker room at the end of the first 30 minutes. Sanders had four tackles.
And then, with just over three minutes left in the second quarter, he was tossed.
Sanders got on his horse and got downfield to running back Carsen Ryan. He hammered the ball-carrier. The pop of the pads could be heard from space.
To celebrate his slobberknocker, Sanders flexed right in the direction of the UCLA sideline. As he did, a yellow penalty flag landed at his feet.
Upon further review, the hit was ruled targeting. Sanders was thrown out of the game.
Despite the ruling, there is a lot of contention about whether targeting was warranted. Robert Griffin III very much disagreed with the call.
Shilo Sanders got thrown out the game for this hit that was ruled targeting.
— RGII on X, formerly known as Twitter
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE GAME WE LOVE?
The former Heisman Trophy winner was not alone in his thinking. Reaction online seemed to be about 60/40 in favor of a clean hit.
Shilo and his father, Deion Sanders, shared a moment after the ejection. Coach Prime appeared to be consoling his star safety son, but Shilo was clearly frustrated with the decision.
Especially considering that Colorado State linebacker Henry Blackburn was not ejected for a very dirty hit on Travis Hunter Jr. that lacerated the two-way star’s liver. Sanders called it at the time.
If I did something like that, they would’ve kicked me out for sure
— Shilo Sanders on Sept. 17
Sure enough, he was right! Shilo called it.