DeMarvion Overshown ejected for targeting against UTSA
Texas linebacker DeMarvion Overshown was ejected for targeting in the fourth quarter Saturday against UTSA. Overshown burst through the Roadrunners offensive line and into the backfield for what looked like a big sack on quarterback Frank Harris.
However, officials deemed the hit to meet the criteria for targeting, and Texas will have to get through the final 15 minutes without one of their star defensive players. Because the penalty happened in the second half, Overshown will also be forced to miss the first half of next week’s Big 12 opener against Texas Tech.
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Many thought the call to be questionable, including ESPN analyst Desmond Howard, who voiced his disagreement with officials on Twitter.
“Awful targeting call in the UTSA v Texas game,” Howard wrote.
At the time Overshown was ejected, Texas had a 31-20 lead and the Longhorns went on to win 41-20.
Steve Sarkisian to appeal targeting call on DeMarvion Overshown
The Texas defense took a hit on Saturday, with star linebacker DeMarvion Overshown getting called for targeting in the second half vs. UTSA. He was ejected from the game and more importantly for the Longhorns — Overshown will not play in the first half against Texas Tech in the Big 12 opener.
Head coach Steve Sarkisian was not happy with the call when on the field, wanting to see his player stay on the field. He said the referees explained it as Overshown hit a “defenseless player.” Additionally, he will be appealing the decision with the Big 12 offices.
If Overshown in fact cannot play in the first half against the Red Raiders, he would be a massive loss for Texas. Not only is he one of the leaders for the defense but the linebacker has stepped up as one of the top players on the entire roster. His experience alone is needed on the road in a tough conference atmosphere.
Even so, there is still a chance Overshown gets onto the field early against the Red Raiders. Sarkisian and the Texas program will speak with the conference office this week and appeal.
On3’s Griffin McVeigh contributed to this report.