Oklahoma's Reggie Pearson ejected after targeting call, leads to go-ahead touchdown for Kansas

Oklahoma faithful are going to have some sour grapes after defensive back Reggie Pearson was ejected for targeting against Kansas.

Jayhawks quarterback Jason Bean had the end-zone in his sights on 3rd and Goal, and made the curious decision to slide feet first. That would’ve made it 4th and Goal from the one-yard-line, but Pearson was already launching to attempt to stop Bean short.

After a review, it was called targeting on the Sooners, and the Jayhawks were given an automatic first down. On the immediate play afterwards, Kansas found the end-zone, and scored the go-ahead touchdown.

Check out the play for yourself. Is it targeting and some bad luck for Oklahoma, or did the Sooners get hosed?

After a review, targeting was called on Oklahoma here pic.twitter.com/3WQR6MDTGY

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 28, 2023

Nevertheless, Oklahoma still has a shot at victory. There’s a full quarter to play, and the Sooners’ College Football Playoff hopes may hinge on it.

Rece Davis predicted Oklahoma to win, Kansas to cover

While Oklahoma was coming off a close call last weekend, Kansas entered Week 9 still dealing with quarterback questions out of their bye week. Earlier in the week, ESPN’s Rece Davis made his feelings known, articulating that both teams would be able to overcome those issues in one way or another.

Davis made his pick for Oklahoma vs. Kansas, among other games on this weekend’s slate, on the College GameDay Podcast. He started with his concerns with OU, but did admit that too much attention might be being paid to their two-point win over UCF considering Guz Malzahn’s history against big-time opponents

“Oklahoma was a big favorite against UCF last week, didn’t cover, almost messed around and got beaten,” Davis said. “I feel a little bit like you’re chasing or overreacting if you go against Oklahoma in this spot.”

In a road game with a noon kickoff, Davis thought it could be a tricky conference game for Oklahoma. In his mind, he likes Kansas to keep it within 10 points or less if not potentially win outright. However, his official pick went the Sooner’s way, as he liked Oklahoma to win another matchup that might end up too close for comfort.

“Look, I think Oklahoma will probably get out of there with the win. But I think Kansas is pretty good,” said Davis. “Some struggles defensively, I think they’re going to be able to keep up.”

“I’m going to take the Jayhawks and the 10 points with a chance, with the early start, to upset,” said Davis. “But I’m not willing to lay the -10 with Oklahoma, even though I am a little worried that I’m chasing the vibe of where they’re headed after that near miss against UCF last week.”