Texas Longhorns Veteran facing suspension

AUSTIN– Texas Longhorns Defensive lineman Vernon Broughton committed a confusing targeting penalty late in Saturday’s 27-24 win. Vanderbilt Commodores and was thrown out.

As a result, he will be suspended for the first half of Texas’ home game. The team may choose to appeal the decision.

Broughton’s targeting penalty He took a game-sealing 72-yard interception return for a touchdown from Kobe Black off the board. After Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia dropped the errant pass, Broughton hit him high and late. The flag gave the Commodores life, and five plays later they found the end zone and began building a three-point lead.

In seven games this season, Broughton tallied 16 total tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one pass deflection. He is already two steals away from reaching his career high of 17 steals last year.

Although it was a sloppy play for Texas, the defense forced three turnovers and kept Pavia mostly in check. The Longhorns only scored three points off that turnover, but it was the second straight game with three turnovers by Texas’ defense.

If Broughton’s suspension is not lifted, the Longhorns will be without arguably their best defender early against a Florida offense led by quarterback DJ Lagway. The Gators are currently averaging the fifth-fewest rushing yards per game (149.7) in the SEC this season, but they can establish the running game early without Broughton around.