Georgia safety Christopher Smith was ejected for targeting late in the first half of the Orange Bowl against Michigan.

Smith was penalized for illegally hitting a Michigan receiver on the return of a Derion Kendrick interception at the 1:28 mark of the second quarter.

Since the penalty occurred in the first half, Smith will be eligible to play in the CFP National Championship Game next week should Georgia beat Michigan.

“He’s been injured some of this year,” UGA coach Kirby Smart said at halftime. “We haven’t had him for a couple games, so we’ve got some experienced guys that need to step up and play.”

That will be Dan Jackson, who replaced Smith at the start of the second half. Jackson has seen his fair share of action this season, especially starting in place of Smith when he was injured earlier this season.

The Bulldogs are battling the Wolverines in the CFP Semifinal Orange Bowl game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.