GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Florida coach Urban Meyer has suspended Brandon Spikes for the first half of Saturday’s game against Vanderbilt after the star linebacker attempted to gouge the eyes of Georgia running back Washaun Ealey in a 41-17 victory.

Meyer says Spikes was retaliating after getting his eye poked earlier in the game.

Spikes is fourth on the team with 42 tackles and has three sacks.

He decided to return for his senior season instead of entering the NFL draft. The team’s defensive captain has missed most of two games this season with an injured groin. He played only a series against Arkansas and sat out the entire game at Mississippi State on Oct. 24.