Oregon entered a massive matchup against Ohio State in Week 7 with a 5-0 record, looking to further solidify its status as one of the country’s best teams.
However, that became a lot tougher for the Ducks after one of their top wide receivers, Traeshon Holden, was ejected in a strange circumstance in the second quarter vs. the Buckeyes: He spit on an opponent, causing the referees to eject him from the game.
Holden was Oregon’s second-leading receiver entering Saturday, with 274 yards on the season.
Here’s what to know about Holden’s ejection from Oregon vs. Ohio State.
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Why was Traeshon Holden ejected from Oregon vs. Ohio State?
Oregon was trailing 14-12 early in the second quarter, but was set up for another score on the goal line. After one of the Ducks’ red zone plays, Holden and Ohio State cornerback Davison Igbinosun began to jaw back and forth. As he began to run back toward the rest of his team, Holden spit in Igbinosun’s direction.
Traeshon Holden gets ejected for spitting on a player 😬
pic.twitter.com/2ugYAoCvWa
— College Football Report (@CFBRep) October 13, 2024
After reviewing the footage, officials gave Holden an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and kicked him out of the game.
Oregon star WR Traeshon Holden is ejected for spitting on Ohio State CB Davison Igbinosun.
Noah Eagle and Todd Blackledge provide the commentary on the NBC broadcast. 🏈🎙️ pic.twitter.com/SgFiFlagxo
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 13, 2024
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Prior to the ejection, Holden had one catch for 32 yards vs. the Buckeyes. He’s in his second season with the Ducks after transferring from Alabama after the 2022 season, and with Oregon in 2023, Holden totaled 452 receiving yards and six touchdowns.
Saturday’s game was undoubtedly the biggest of the season so far for both Big Ten opponents, as each were top-3 teams in the most recent AP Poll and came in undefeated.
After some back-and-forth action through the first two quarters and Holden’s ejection, Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel will have to turn toward other options at wide receiver, like junior Evan Stewart, who totaled over 100 receiving yards in the first half.
