Two Troy players suspended by the Sun Belt Conference office will miss the first half of the Trojans’ game against Georgia State this weekend after both were penalized for targeting in Troy’s 34-33 win over South Alabama on Saturday.
Chris Pickett and Tyler Roberts will each sit out the first half against Georgia State.
Pickett Ejected Late in Fourth Quarter
Pickett was flagged during the game under Rule 9-1-4 of the NCAA football rules, which prohibits targeting and initiating contact to the head or neck area of a defenseless player. Video review confirmed the call on the field.
Under the rule, the foul carries an automatic disqualification from the game along with a half-game suspension. Because Pickett’s foul came late in the fourth quarter, he will serve that suspension in the first half against Georgia State.
Roberts Penalized After Video Review
Roberts’ suspension falls under Rule 9-1-3, which prohibits targeting and initiating contact with the crown of the helmet. No penalty was called on the field, but video review after the game showed Roberts led with his head and made contact directly to the chest of a defenseless South Alabama quarterback. The play happened late in the third quarter, so Roberts will also miss the first half of the next game.
Third Ejection Already Served
A third Troy player was ejected in the first half of Saturday’s game. Because he missed the second half against South Alabama, his suspension has been fully served, and he will be available against Georgia State.
About the Game
Troy scored a touchdown with seven seconds left at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Troy to beat South Alabama 34-33. The Jaguars, who fell to 2-3 overall and 1-1 in Sun Belt play, have an open date this week before hosting Kent State on Oct. 19 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.
