Colorado’s Shilo Sanders Ejected for Targeting After Big Hit on UCLA Pass Catcher

The defensive back left Saturday’s game after a hit that he delivered late in the second quarter.

Colorado is locked in a tight battle at halftime on the road against No. 23 UCLA, and will now have to play the remainder of the game without one of its starting defensive backs.

Buffaloes defensive back Shilo Sanders was ejected for targeting late in the second quarter after a hit that he delivered to UCLA running back Carsen Ryan.

Ryan was running across the field toward the sideline when he caught a pass from quarterback Ethan Garbers. Sanders delivered the hit with the crown of his helmet under the facemask of Ryan.

Shilo Sanders was ejected for targeting against UCLA

(via @SportsCenter) pic.twitter.com/Y5zF4lJT1j

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) October 29, 2023

Sanders clearly thought the hit was clean, as he flexed for his celebration after delivering the blow. However, after a review, it was determined that Sanders led with his helmet and he was ejected for targeting.

Since the penalty happened in the second quarter, Sanders will miss the second half, but will be eligible to start the game next Saturday at home against Oregon State.