Vanderbilt down a man on defense against Florida following BJ Anderson targeting call

Vanderbilt is off to a rough start in its game against Florida on Saturday, hoping to follow up its first win in 27 SEC games last weekend with a second. An early review during Florida’s opening drive produced a BJ Anderson targeting call, resulting in the ejection of the senior cornerback.

Anderson was tossed from the game following a hit on Gators receiver Marcus Burke.

Burke caught a short pass from quarterback Anthony Richardson in the left flat and tried to make something happen, cutting upfield as defensive lineman Darren Agu made a sweeping tackle attempt in backside pursuit.

As Burke leaned forward, the hit that resulted in the BJ Anderson targeting review occurred, with Anderson dropping his helmet and striking Burke through the chest.

Officials didn’t call targeting on the field initially, but before Florida could snap the ball on its next play officials whistled for a stoppage and went to the replay. Upon review the targeting call on Anderson was confirmed, result in the senior cornerback’s ejection.

Anderson has recorded 31 tackles this season, including 1.0 tackles for a loss, 1.0 sacks and two pass breakups.

Clark Lea concerned with Florida’s disruptiveness

Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea went into Saturday’s game very concerned with how disruptive Florida has been recently, and the BJ Anderson targeting call certainly won’t help the Commodores with early momentum.

Following the targeting ejection, the Gators marched down the field to kick a field goal to take a 3-0 lead.

Vanderbilt then coughed it up on its ensuing possession, with receiver Will Sheppard fumbling following a hit by linebacker Ventrell Miller. Florida’s Jaydon Hill recovered the fumble at the Florida 24-yard line.

“They’re well coached and they’re a disruptive team,” Clark Lea said.

“In the South Carolina game, South Carolina was never able to get breathing room and it felt like Florida was punctuating early drives and then generating turnovers and never allowed for any kind of momentum or any kind of rhythmic play, and they can do that. They’re long and athletic and big and fast. So, they cover ground well and they’re disruptive at finishes.”

Florida led 3-0 with 3:48 left in the first quarter at the time of this writing.