South Carolina cornerback DQ Smith ejected for targeting vs. Texas A&M

South Carolina has lost cornerback DQ Smith in its game against Texas A&M, with the defensive back tossed from the contest following a hit that was ruled as targeting. Because the ejection occurred in the second half, Smith will have to sit out the first half of the team’s game against Jacksonville State next week.

The hit in question occurred late in the third quarter, when Texas A&M connected on a crossing route for wide receiver Evan Stewart. As Stewart came across the field, he entered the zone where Smith was lurking.

Smith made a tackle by lowering his head into the midriff of Stewart, and officials ruled it targeting. The call was confirmed upon review.

At the time of DQ Smith‘s ejection, Texas A&M led 21-10 in a game that was a bit of a tale of two quarters, with South Carolina dominating the opening frame before Texas A&M took control in the second. More on that below.

Quick Scoring Recap

South Carolina got off to a great start in the game, hitting Texas A&M quarterback Max Johnson early and often to rattle him. Meanwhile, Gamecocks quarterback Spencer Rattler put together a nice early drive to take the lead.

The Gamecocks marched 65 yards in 13 plays to score on a 1-yard Dakereon Joyner run, making it 7-0.

Texas A&M didn’t wait terribly long to answer, racking up a trio of touchdowns in the second quarter to take a commanding lead.

Rueben Owens scored the first touchdown of the day for Texas A&M, taking it in from 14 yards out. Not too long after Amari Daniels joined him in scoring on the ground, taking a carry in from 1 yard out for a score that made it 14-7.

The final score of the first half for the Aggies came on a big passing play to a wide-open Ainias Smith, who made a handful of defenders miss after the catch to turn it into a 42-yard scoring play. That made it 21-7 Texas A&M.

South Carolina cut into the lead with a 49-yard field goal early in the third quarter before Texas A&M matched it with a 26-yard attempt that made the score 24-10. DQ Smith was ejected just before the Texas A&M field goal.

That was the score going to the fourth quarter at the time of this writing.