Texas freshman defender Derek Williams Jr. was disqualified from the Big 12 Championship game after he was flagged for a targeting penalty at the start of the second half.
The play was reviewed by officials, who determined that the call on the field stood, setting up an all-time reaction from Williams’s Longhorns teammates, who were astounded.
Derek Williams Jr. was disqualified for targeting to start the second half pic.twitter.com/JV8qwOjcVO
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) December 2, 2023
In a brilliant moment captured by cameras, Texas players literally had jaw-dropping reactions to the call as they stared up at the video board.
Williams took out Oklahoma State linebacker Jeff Roberson on the opening kickoff of the second half, appearing to collide with Roberson’s upper-body, though the referees clearly believed contact was made to his helmet.
Longhorns players were not the only ones who had strong reactions, as fans were furious over the call.
this is not targeting
— CFBTalkDaily (@CFBTalkDaily) December 2, 2023
This is football pic.twitter.com/VkAumNOWIE
Someone please explain how that is targeting cause I don’t see it
— Big 12 Champion /r/LonghornNation (@rLonghornNation) December 2, 2023
After seeing Texas player tossed for targeting, I’ll say again, if you want to flag them fine, but I can’t stand the player being ejected, I think that’s too much.
— Mike Golic (@golic) December 2, 2023
Per the NCAA rules on targeting, since the penalty occurred in the second half, Williams will be forced to miss the remainder of the Big 12 title game, as well as the first half of the Longhorns’ next game.
No wonder his teammates were so stunned.
