Report: Texas Longhorns Safety Derek Williams Targeting Appeal Denied, Will Miss First Half Of Sugar Bowl vs. Washington

Texas Longhorns safety Derek Williams will not play in the first half of the Longhorns College Football Playoff semi-final matchup in the Sugar Bowl against Washington.

According to Chip Brown of Horns247, The Texas Longhorns' appeal of freshman safety Derek Williams' targeting ejection from the Big 12 title game has been denied. Williams will now miss the first half of the Sugar Bowl against No. 2 Washington in the College Football Playoff semifinal.

During a kickoff, Williams was called for targeting after what was considered him leading with the crown of his helmet against an Oklahoma State player. After further review, the call was upheld and Williams was ejected from the contest. 

The decision to suspend Williams complicates depth purposes for the No. 3 Horns (12-1, 9-1 Big 12) after senior Jalen Catalon announced his intent to enter the transfer portal as a graduate transfer on Monday. Williams, who primarily saw action on special teams, rotated with Jerrin Thompson, Michael Taaffe and Kitan Crawford. 

Texas defensive back Derek Williams  / © Troy Taormina, USA TODAY

This season, Williams has played 373 reps. Taaffe and Thompson are the usual starters, while Crawford rotates in on heavy pass coverage packages. Crawford should see an expanded role with Williams missing the first half in New Orleans. 

The secondary must be on point against the Huskies' potent passing attack. Heisman finalist Michael Penix Jr. is back at full strength following a 34-31 win over No. 8 Oregon in the Pac-12 title game. He'll also have his whole receiving corps at his disposal, something that's hindered Washington's success this season. 

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Last season, Texas and Washington (13-0) met in San Antonio for the Valero Alamo Bowl. Penix threw for 287 yards and two touchdowns against one interception, while Jalen McMillian led the Huskies with eight catches for 58 yards and a touchdown. 

Quinn Ewers threw for a season-high 369 yards and a touchdown, but the Longhorns' defense allowed Washington to jump out to a 27-10 lead at the start of the fourth quarter. The Huskies secured their 11th win of the season with a 27-20 victory.