Ole Miss defensive back Jake Springer causes injury, ejected for targeting
Ole Miss defensive back Jake Springer was ejected for targeting early in the third quarter against Texas A&M on Saturday. Springer delivered a helmet-to-helmet blow to Aggies receiver Demond Demas.
Demas was already wrapped up by another defender, and helpless to protect himself. He can be seen immediately reaching for his head after the hit, and was taken to the medical tent to receive treatment.
He thankfully later returned to the game and has already posted a career-high five catches for 43 yards.
Since the penalty occurred in the second half, Springer must also sit out the first half of the Rebels’ next game, per NCAA rules. They are set to face Vanderbilt next Saturday.
With 9:30 remaining in the third quarter, Ole Miss held a 15-3 lead. The Rebels defense held A&M scoreless in the first half before giving up a field goal to start the second. The Aggies weren’t done there either, taking advantage of a Rebels defense now missing Springer to put together a touchdown drive.
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Speedy Aggies running back Devon Achane punched in the touchdown, and has 67 yards on just seven carries. This game is critical for both teams, as the winner will move into sole possession of second place in the SEC West. The Aggies are hoping for another loss from Alabama, which, is A&M wins out, would allow them to play for the SEC championship.
That, however, seems like a long shot.
Either way, both schools are still in the running to make a New Year’s Six Bowl. Texas A&M earned an appearance in the Orange Bowl in 2020, coming away with a win against North Carolina. The Rebels’ last New Year’s Six game was in 2015, when they won in the Sugar Bowl against Oklahoma State.
Although the targeting call on Jake Springer was certainly deserved, it’s a huge blow to this defense. They’ll be pleased when he is able to return in the second half of next week’s game.