Updated

California defensive lineman Chris McCain was ejected from the season opening game against No. 22 Northwestern because of targeting.

The ejection came in the fourth quarter Saturday night when officials ruled McCain hit Northwestern quarterback Trevor Siemian with a helmet-to-helmet hit.

Under a new NCAA rule this season, players who "target" and contact defenseless players will receive a 15-yard penalty and be ejected. Because the jection came in the second half, McCain will also miss the first half of next week's Portland State game.