USC outside linebacker Porter Gustin was on his way to a dominant performance on Saturday night with two sacks in the first half.
But early in the third quarter, Gustin got loose in pursuit of Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger and hit Ehlinger so hard his helmet flew off after he had delivered a completion to Collin Johnson.
Officials called Gustin for a personal foul roughing the passer, and, upon further review, determined that he had led with his head. He was called for targeting, leading to an immediate ejection.
Because the punishment for a targeting ejection is missing one game, Gustin will also have to sit out the first half of Friday night's game against Washington State at the Coliseum.