Updated

Sam Houston State linebacker Darius Taylor and Southeastern Louisiana safety Kevin Roberts have been suspended by the Southland Conference for hits to the head or neck area of defenseless players.

The league said Monday that both players would sit out Saturday. Sam Houston plays at Lamar, and Southeastern Louisiana is home against Central Arkansas in a battle of conference leaders.

Sam Houston State officials said Taylor's suspension was for hit on a Nicholls State receiver in a 41-0 Sam Houston win Oct. 13. The school said no penalty flag was thrown.

Roberts' suspension was for a hit in Southeastern Louisiana's 27-22 victory against Northwestern State on Oct. 13.

Southland officials said the suspensions came after a review by the league's executive committee.