Arizona State football’s Shamari Simmons delivered a big hit on Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht on Saturday in the Big 12 championship game. However, it’ll result in him missing the first half of the Sun Devils‘ upcoming College Football Playoff game.
With Arizona State holding a commanding 45-10 lead in the Big 12 Championship in Arlington, Texas, Simmons rushed Becht unblocked and delivered a huge hit, which was called for targeting. Simmons, the Sun Devils’ fourth-leading tackler this season entering Saturday’s game, will now miss either the first round or quarterfinal of the 12-team CFP, determined by Arizona State’s inevitable placement in the bracket.
REQUIRED READING: Millions are on line for college football coaches with bonuses available for playoff appearances
The senior defensive back is in his second season at Arizona State after transferring from Austin Peay following the 2022 season. Simmons finished the 2024 regular season with 64 total tackles, two forced fumbles and an interception, and will be a big miss for the Sun Devils through two quarters of their next appearance.
Arizona State is playing some of the best football nationally in recent weeks, proven by its huge lead it has built over Iowa State on Saturday. Star running back Cam Skattebo ran 16 times for 170 yards with two touchdowns, along with two receptions for 38 yards and a score before being removed in the early fourth quarter.
ASU quarterback Sam Leavitt was also stellar, completing 12 of 17 passes for 219 yards with three touchdowns, and seven carries for 33 yards and a score.
Arizona State and coach Kenny Dillingham will now prepare for national championship contention via the CFP, however it’ll prepare without Simmons’ help for two quarters given the targeting ejection.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Arizona State’s Shamari Simmons ejected for targeting vs Iowa State
