The No. 3 ranked Oregon Ducks will take on No. 2 Ohio State without their second-best receiver for the second half of their highly anticipated Week 7 matchup in the Big Ten.

Oregon’s wide receiver, Traeshon Holden, was ejected from the game with 11:31 left in the second quarter after allegedly spitting at Ohio State cornerback Davison Igbinosun following a first-and-goal situation at the Buckeyes’ 9-yard line. The officials flagged Holden for unsportsmanlike conduct, and the referee informed the crowd at Autzen Stadium as well as viewers on national television of his ejection.

The replay of the incident showed Holden and Igbinosun exchanging words before Holden escalated the situation by spitting on Igbinosun through his facemask.

During the broadcast, NBC commentator Todd Blackledge questioned, “It’s the biggest game of the year. Why even do that? You’re such a valuable part of this team, and now you’ve hurt both yourself and your team. There’s absolutely no excuse for that.”

Holden, who transferred to Oregon from Alabama after the 2022 college football season, faced challenges with his eligibility and was even dismissed from the team in February 2023 due to serious charges, including felony unlawful use of a weapon and coercion, along with a misdemeanor for menacing. After being cleared of all charges, Oregon coach Dan Lanning reinstated him to the program.

This season, Holden had contributed with 19 receptions for 274 yards and three touchdowns before the game on Saturday.