Arizona State working to appeal top DB's targeting suspension from Big 12 Championship

Arizona State defensive back Shamari Simmons was disqualified from the second half of the Big 12 Championship Game for a hit to the head on Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht.

The play drew confusion and frustration from fans online as Becht appeared to crouch as Simmons arrived to make his wrap-up tackle, resulting in the crown of his helmet making contact with Becht's facemask.

Simmons is required to miss the first half of Arizona State's next game as part of his disqualification. That game will be the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Peach Bowl.

Sun Devil head coach Kenny Dillingham said in a news conference Monday that he and the program are in the process of filing an appeal to lift Simmons' first half suspension.

"It would be upsetting, it wasn't malicious, he wasn't doing anything violent, he was trying to play the game with his eyes up," Dillingham pleaded. "For that to take something away from him ... would be really disappointing."

Shamari Simmons could still miss the first half of the Peach Bowl for targeting penalty

If the appeal is denied, Simmons would still have to miss the first half of the Peach Bowl and that would be a huge blow to the Sun Devil defense.

Simmons recorded 70 total tackles, forced three fumbles and made an interception this season, adding much needed depth to Arizona State's secondary.

Both Clemson and Texas operate through a tough, pass-heavy offense and either one can take advantage of Arizona State's inexperience at defensive back with Simmons on the sideline.

If the appeal is accepted, Simmons can return to play in the full game. It's unclear what the timeline is on the appeal and when a decision will be handed down but the team won't take the field in Atlanta until Jan. 1 at 1:00pm ET.