The Ohio State Buckeyes were able to find a way to win on Sunday against Nebraska, but one play in the fourth quarter nearly changed the outcome in extremely controversial fashion.
Linebacker Arvell Reese was given a targeting penalty for his hit on Nebraska’s Jahmal Banks, a play that many watching the game felt didn’t rise to the level of targeting.
Reese appeared to hit Banks in the chest, forcing the ball loose and causing the receiver to drop it. The play could have been called as an incomplete pass, giving Ohio State’s defense the chance to get off the field.
Instead, Reese was called for the penalty, extending Nebraska’s drive.
Reaction from fans to the play ranged from disbelief to anger at officials, and Ohio State head coach Ryan Day brought more of the same from the sideline.
After a lengthy review, Day reacted to the call in disbelief, shouting “NO WAY!” before slamming his headset to the ground.
When BS targeting is confirmed pic.twitter.com/2MjwpS11Oe
— Kevin Noon (@Kevin_Noon) October 26, 2024
Another Ohio State staff member worked to restrain the coach to avoid him running into an official on the field, but it was clear that Day couldn’t believe his player was called for targeting on the play.
Ohio State would end up getting the last laugh in the end by intercepting freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola to take over and run out the clock, keeping the Buckeyes as a one-loss team.
They’ll likely need to win out to make sure they advance to the Big Ten championship game, potentially setting up a rematch against Oregon. The winner of the game will receive an automatic bid to the new 12-team College Football Playoff, but the loser is likely to get in as an at-large team.
Ohio State quarterback Will Howard’s third touchdown pass of the day proved to be the difference, giving the team a 21-17 lead it would preserve through the final whistle.
The Buckeyes were winners in a hard-fought game on Saturday, and they’ll look to achieve the same result next week against Penn State.
Related: Look: Ohio State Fans Throw Trash On Field After Controversial Targeting Call