Colorado safety Shilo Sanders was sent off for targeting during the first half of CU’s game at UCLA on Saturday.
Sanders, the son of Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, made a big play after a reception by UCLA’s Carsen Ryan late in the second quarter. Sanders appeared to try to shoulder-first, but the crown of his helmet hit Ryan in the lower part of his facemask.
As a result of the hit, Sanders was assessed a 15-yard targeting penalty. The match was reviewed and quickly upheld, resulting in Sanders being disqualified for the remainder of the match. Because the targeting penalty was called in the first half, Sanders is eligible to return for next week’s home game against No. 11 Oregon State.
Sanders celebrated the goal and moved toward the sideline. But his reaction quickly changed when he noticed a flag being thrown at the play.
During his halftime interview with ABC’s Holly Rowe, Deion Sanders said he thought the targeting was “terrible.”
Shilo Sanders, the older brother of Colorado QB Shedeur Sanders, is one of the best players on Colorado’s defense. Early in the half, he forced a fumble with a big hit on UCLA running back Carson Steele. That was one of four turnovers Colorado forced in the first half. Steele had two fumbles and Buffs star cornerback Travis Hunter intercepted two passes.
Despite the forced turnovers, Colorado went into the halftime locker room with a 7-6 lead.