Kansas EDGE Austin Booker ejected for targeting vs Illinois

Kansas EDGE Austin Booker was ejected in the third quarter against Illinois for targeting. As a result of the penalty, he will also miss the first half of next week’s game against Nevada.

Booker laid a hit on Fighting Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer on a two-point conversion attempt following Altmyer’s 72-yard touchdown run with 1:35 to play in the quarter. He hit him in the rib area, but led with the crown of the helmet. The booth initiated a replay review and ultimately overturned it, calling him for targeting and ejecting him from the game.

At the time of the ejection, Kansas had a 34-13 lead over Illinois, but it was cut to 34-15 after the Illini completed the two-point conversion.

Booker is in his first season with the Jayhawks after transferring from Minnesota. Last year, he appeared in six games with the Golden Gophers and totaled two tackles, including a tackle for loss.

Kansas dominated the first half against Illinois, taking a commanding 28-7 lead into halftime. The Jayhawks have looked strong after halftime, but didn’t get into the end zone during the third quarter, only scoring on two field goals.

Still, Jalon Daniels impressed in his first three quarters of the season. He completed 21 of 29 passes for 280 yards and two touchdowns. It’s quite the way for Daniels to start the year after missing the opener against Missouri State due to injury.

It’s safe to say Lance Leipold is happy to have him back.

“You can see, we didn’t change too much when Jason [Bean] was there,” Leipold told ESPN2’s Paul Caracterra at halftime. “But you can see how he keeps plays alive and what he’s doing and the accuracy he’s throwing the ball [with]. It’s great to have him out there again.”

The Illinois defensive front presents a big challenge because of its physicality. But Kansas didn’t appear to have many problems against the Illini, totaling 295 yards of offense through two quarters.

Leipold said the game plan was to mix things up a bit, and the Jayhawks did a good job of that as they kept the defense on its toes. Of course, Daniels’ ability to extend plays helps.

“I think a lot of different looks,” Leipold said. “We’re trying to get the ball outside quick. I think our offense doing a heck of a job of just mixing it up quite a bit. You’re seeing the ability of Jalon Daniels making some plays when things are kind of broken down. A real good half of football for us, holistically.”