Senior defensive lineman R Mason Thomas was ejected in the second half Saturday after a roughing the passer penalty was upgraded to targeting. 

The play came on first down from the Temple 20-yard line following an OU punt. Thomas, who recorded nine sacks in 2024, looped around his blocker and rushed Temple quarterback Evan Simon near the goal line.

As Thomas pursued Simon, his helmet made contact with the quarterback's facemask just as Simon released a pass. Officials initially flagged the play for roughing the passer before reviewing it for targeting, ultimately determining the hit warranted the additional penalty and automatic ejection.

Thomas had been a cornerstone of Oklahoma’s pass rush in 2024, playing in all 13 games and recording 12.5 tackles for loss and nine sacks.

By NCAA rule, Thomas’ suspension extends into the first half of the Sooners’ contest against Auburn on Saturday.

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