Barham, a Michigan linebacker, was ejected for targeting on a helmet-to-helmet hit against New Mexico, drawing a first-half suspension for the upcoming Oklahoma game. Michigan intends to appeal the call, hoping to restore Barham’s availability. His absence tests the depth behind him and could influence early rotation patterns.

Barham’s ejection tested a young defense, though the linebackers—Ernest, Jimmy, and Cole Sullivan—remain thread-fast and fast-tackling. The incident invites Big Ten review, but depth and pace recovery helped preserve the overall performance.

Barham’s third-quarter hit on Layne was ruled targeting, resulting in a suspension for half of next week’s Oklahoma game, depriving Michigan of a key pass-rush presence early in Norman and forcing rotation.