Reggie Powers ejected for targeting during Oklahoma vs. Missouri, to miss 1st half vs. LSU

Oklahoma DB Reggie Powers was ejected from Saturday’s game against Missouri for targeting. By rule, since the foul occurred in the second half, he is set to miss the first half of next week’s game against LSU.

Powers levied a huge hit on Mizzou wide receiver Kevin Coleman, which resulted in a flag for targeting. The officials deemed Coleman a defenseless player and went to the monitor to review the call.

Ultimately, the call was upheld, meaning Coleman is out for the second half against Missouri and is in line to miss the first half against LSU next week. ESPN rules analyst Matt Austin and color commentator Greg McElroy agreed with the decision.

“I agree with Greg 100%,” Austin said on the ABC broadcast. “He goes out of his way to launch and get up into the head area. Definitely goes helmet to helmet. As Greg said, defenseless. This should be an easy targeting confirm.”

Powers is in the midst of a strong year for Oklahoma. He entered Saturday’s game with 23 total tackles this year, including 2.5 tackles for loss and a sack. He also has a pass defended and a scoop-and-score touchdown on a fumble recovery to his name.

Reggie Powers’ ejection was the latest notable situation for the Oklahoma defense against Mizzou. Robert Spears-Jennings left Saturday’s game against Missouri in the second quarter with an apparent upper-body injury. However, he later returned to the game in the third quarter after heading to the tent.

Oklahoma’s defense was dealing with a slew of injuries as the Sooners took on Missouri in Norman. R Mason Thomas is out for the game as he continues to deal with a quad issue, and cornerback Gentry Williams is also out due to injury.

Oklahoma entered Saturday’s game looking to further seal its College Football Playoff resume after getting a big-time win over Alabama a week ago. The Sooners jumped up to No. 8. in the latest rankings, putting them in position to host a first-round game in the projected 12-team bracket.

OU got off to a rough start to Saturday’s game, totaling -7 yards on two three-and-outs in the first quarter as Mizzou took a 3-0 lead. An 87-yard touchdown from Isaiah Sategna helped boost those numbers quickly and lit a spark as Oklahoma looks to continue its quest for a College Football Playoff appearance.