SPORTS

Alabama's Jameson Williams ejected for targeting vs. Auburn football on punt return

Brooks Holton
The Tuscaloosa News

The No. 2 Alabama football team will be without wide receiver Jameson Williams for the rest of the 2021 Iron Bowl against Auburn at Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday.  

With the Crimson Tide and Tigers tied 0-0 in the second quarter, Williams was ejected for targeting Auburn punt returner Ja'Varrius Johnson. On the possession following the penalty, Auburn scored a touchdown to take a 7-0 lead. 

Before his ejection, Williams had two catches for 43 yards — with a long of 34 yards.

On the season, Williams has 61 catches for 1,261 yards and 13 touchdowns. He's a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, which is given annually to the most outstanding receiver in FBS regardless of position. 

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Williams' ejection prompted quite the reaction on social media.

Some were questioning why the wide receiver was on the punt team in the first place. 

Alabama, ranked No. 2 in the USA Today Sports AFCA Coaches Poll, entered the game 10-1 overall and 6-1 in the SEC. Most recently, Alabama beat Arkansas 42-35 on Nov. 20. 

Auburn comes into the matchup 6-5 overall and 3-4 in the SEC. On Nov. 20, South Carolina defeated Auburn 21-17.

Nick Saban is the Alabama Crimson Tide football head coach. Bryan Harsin is the Auburn Tigers football head coach.