Georgia Bulldog starting safety KJ Bolden, a first-team All-SEC selection, was ejected late in the first half of the Florida Gators game due to a targeting penalty. The 15-yard penalty improved Florida‘s field position, but the Gators ended up punting a few plays later.
Bolden’s hit appeared to meet the criteria for targeting. He led with the crown of his helmet on a defenseless Florida receiver that was running a slant route.
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According to the SEC, targeting is when “a player takes aim at an opponent for purposes of attacking with forcible contact that goes beyond making a legal tackle or a legal block or playing the ball.”
With Bolden out, Georgia is expected to start USC Trojans transfer Zion Branch. The Bulldogs are already missing one safety. Georgia safety Kyron Jones is out for the game due to a foot injury.
Bolden will not face a suspension next week against the Mississippi State Bulldogs because his penalty occurred in the first half. The new targeting rules allow players to remain on the sidelines.
KJ Bolden’s targeting hit
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This article originally appeared on UGA Wire: Georgia football safety KJ Bolden ejected for targeting vs Florida
