Rules expert: Big 12 made right call upholding Texas LB DeMarvion Overshown suspension for targeting

No. 22 Texas will be without star linebacker DeMarvion Overshown for the first half of its Big 12 opener against Texas Tech on Saturday after the Big 12 denied an appeal of his suspension for a targeting call in a win over UTSA last weekend.

At least one prominent rules expert believes that was the right call, too.

Terry McAulay, a former NFL referee who currently serves as a rules analyst for Sunday Night Football on NBC, outlined on Twitter Wednesday evening why he believes the call and first-half suspension were rightfully upheld. He outlined several key points.

This was the correct result.
– QB is defenseless as he is in a passing posture with focus downfield
– Defender leads with the helmet
– Defender makes forcible contact using his helmet to the head/neck area
– The crown of the helmet is not relevant to this play
1/3 https://t.co/Uhwn7SS06v pic.twitter.com/RNvFxLVmlU

— Terry McAulay (@SNFRules) September 21, 2022

The hit in question occurred in the beginning of the fourth quarter of Texas’ 41-20 win over UTSA. Overshown worked a slightly delayed blitz and beat the UTSA center coming off his double-team to get to the quarterback.

But as he made the hit, his helmet made contact with UTSA quarterback Frank Harris‘ helmet. Officials reviewed the play and ultimately ejected Overshown.

DeMarvion Overshown suspension upheld by Big 12

The ruling from the Big 12 will leave Texas without one of its top defenders for the first half heading into its conference opener against Texas Tech.

Overshown has been a huge part of the Texas defense over the last three years. In five seasons with the Longhorns he has racked up 176 tackles, five sacks, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, three interceptions and 13 passes defended.

He’s already piled up some impressive stats this season, too.

His 23 tackles rank second on the team, behind only Jaylan Ford. Meanwhile, his 2.5 tackles for a loss tie Ford for the team lead.

Texas and Texas Tech are slated for a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff with a national broadcast set for ESPN.