One of the top defensive players at Illinois will not be permitted to play in the first half of Friday night’s season opener, due to a targeting violation that dates back to the Fighting Illini’s Redbox Bowl game against Cal. Seriously.

Illinois linebacker Milo Eifler will have to sit out the first 30 minutes of the B1G opener on Friday night because of the violation. Head coach Lovie Smith confirmed the news to reporters on Monday afternoon.

Eifler was ejected in the 4th quarter of Illinois’ Redbox Bowl loss to Cal at the end of last season for this hit:

Even though it’s a new season, Eifler still has to pay the consequences for the ejection. The linebacker will be forced to miss the 1st half against Wisconsin, which means other Illini linebackers need to step up in the first 30 minutes.

Eifler had a strong season at Illinois in 2019, totaling 63 tackles which included 10 stops for loss. He was also credited with 2 sacks, a pass break-up, a fumble recovery and a touchdown during a 6-7 season for the FIghting Illini.

Illinois is looking to make it two-straight victories over Wisconsin after upsetting the Badgers in Champaign in 2019. Kickoff on Friday is set for 8 p.m. ET.