“Shilo Sanders’ Disqualification Alters the Course of Buffaloes vs. UCLA”
Colorado Safety Shilo Sanders Disqualified for Targeting in UCLA Game
Colorado safety Shilo Sanders was disqualified from Saturday’s matchup against UCLA at the Rose Bowl after a targeting call prior to halftime.
Sanders, the son of Buffaloes coach Deion Sanders, appeared to lead with his shoulder on a hit on UCLA running back Carsen Ryan, but during contact, Sanders’ helmet hit Ryan’s. As flags flew toward Sanders following the tackle, he flexed in celebration on what would have been a third-down stop. The play was reviewed for targeting and confirmed, giving the Bruins a first down and sending Shilo Sanders to the sidelines for the rest of the contest.
The targeting call was controversial, with some fans and analysts arguing that it was a fair hit. However, under Pac-12 rules, any hit that makes forcible contact to the head or neck area of a defenseless player is considered targeting.
“It’s a tough call,” Deion Sanders said after the game. “Shilo’s a big hitter, and he was going at full speed. But you have to be careful in this day and age with the targeting rule. I’m glad Carsen is okay, and we’ll learn from this.”
Sanders’ disqualification was a major blow to the Buffaloes’ defense. He is one of the team’s leading tacklers and playmakers. Without him, the Buffaloes struggled to stop the Bruins’ offense in the second half, and UCLA went on to win the game 42-28.
The targeting call also has implications for Sanders’ future. If he is ejected for targeting a second time this season, he will be suspended for the first half of the next game.
Analyzing the Targeting Call
The targeting call on Sanders was a close one. He appeared to lead with his shoulder, but his helmet did hit Ryan’s. It is also worth noting that Ryan was a defenseless player at the time of the hit, as he had not turned around to receive the pass.
Under Pac-12 rules, any hit that makes forcible contact to the head or neck area of a defenseless player is considered targeting. The rule is designed to protect players from serious head injuries.
In this case, the officials determined that Sanders’ hit met the criteria for targeting. They also took into account the fact that Ryan was a defenseless player. As a result, they ejected Sanders from the game.
Impact of the Targeting Call on Sanders and the Buffaloes
The targeting call had a significant impact on both Sanders and the Buffaloes.
For Sanders, the call was a personal setback. He is a talented player who is trying to make a name for himself in college football. The targeting call could hurt his chances of being drafted by an NFL team in the future.
For the Buffaloes, the targeting call was a major blow to their defense. Sanders is one of the team’s leading tacklers and playmakers. Without him, the Buffaloes struggled to stop the Bruins’ offense in the second half.
The targeting call also has implications for the Buffaloes’ bowl eligibility. With Sanders out, the Buffaloes will have to work hard to win two more games in their final five contests.
Conclusion
The targeting call on Shilo Sanders was a controversial one. However, under Pac-12 rules, it was the correct call. The officials determined that Sanders’ hit met the criteria for targeting, and they also took into account the fact that Ryan was a defenseless player.
The targeting call had a significant impact on both Sanders and the Buffaloes. For Sanders, the call was a personal setback. For the Buffaloes, the call was a major blow to their defense.
The Buffaloes will need to find a way to replace Sanders’ production on defense if they want to make a bowl game this season. They will also need to be careful to avoid any future targeting penalties.