Texas DB Derek Williams Jr. was ejected from the Big 12 Championship Game for a targeting penalty. That penalty carries with it a suspension for one half of the next game, and that would be the College Football Playoff semifinal against Washington at the Sugar Bowl.

On Tuesday, Chip Brown with 247 Sports reported that Texas’ appeal of Williams’ targeting ejection has been denied. That would mean Williams will miss the first half of the game against the Huskies.

“Yes, we did appeal it, but unfortunately it stands as called,” Brown’s source said. “He [Williams] will have to sit the first half [against Washington].”

The play involving Williams came on the opening kickoff the second half in the Big 12 Championship Game. There was no return on the kickoff, but Williams delivered a blindside block with the official review issuing the targeting call on Williams.

Williams has been a rotational piece for the defense and special teams contributor as a 4-star freshman with 39 total tackles and 2 pass breakups. The Longhorns will want to be at full strength when going against the high-powered attack of Washington and Michael Penix Jr. in the Sugar Bowl.