Ole Miss safety Joenel Aguero was ejected from the game against Florida after a targeting penalty in the third quarter. The incident happened with 3:44 remaining before halftime when Aguero delivered a helmet-to-helmet hit on Florida wide receiver Bailey Stockton. The penalty gave Florida a boost, setting up a touchdown that extended their lead to 17-3.
The ejection removed Aguero, a senior transfer from Georgia, from the rest of the contest. This is the first targeting call against Ole Miss this season. Despite being forced out of this game, Aguero will be eligible to play in Ole Miss’ next matchup against Vanderbilt on October 10.
Ole Miss entered the game ranked sixth with a 3-0 overall record and 1-0 in SEC play, facing the 22nd-ranked Florida Gators, who also stood at 3-0 and 1-0 in the conference. Florida had established control of the game by halftime, holding a 17-3 advantage when Aguero’s penalty occurred.
Targeting calls result in automatic ejections and are designed to protect players from dangerous hits. This enforcement reflects the NCAA’s ongoing efforts to limit helmet-to-helmet contact. Aguero’s departure left a noticeable gap in Ole Miss’ secondary during a critical stretch against an increasingly assertive Florida offense.
Sam Hutchens, who covers Ole Miss for the Clarion Ledger, reported on the incident and noted it as a significant moment in the game. The ejection came at a crucial time, as Florida capitalized on the momentum swing to increase their lead before the break.
Ole Miss will need to adjust their defensive approach for the remainder of this contest without Aguero, who has contributed to the Rebels’ defensive efforts since transferring from Georgia. The team’s ability to respond without their senior safety will be tested as Florida seeks to maintain their lead.
The targeting call and subsequent ejection represent a setback for Ole Miss’ defense, which has started the season strongly with three wins. The Rebels face the challenge of regrouping on both sides of the ball as the SEC schedule intensifies.
With the game still ongoing, Florida holds a firm lead, and Aguero’s absence could influence the defensive dynamics in the second half. Ole Miss’ next opportunity to see Aguero back on the field will come in Week 6 against Vanderbilt.
According to Yahoo Sports.
