Ohio State announced it submitted an appeal to the Big Ten regarding a targeting call against linebacker Arvell Reese that occurred late in the fourth quarter of a win against Nebraska this past Saturday. The conference said it was determined that the hit on Huskers wide receiver Jahmal Banks was not targeting, therefore Reese is no longer suspended for the first half of the Buckeyes’ upcoming game at Penn State.
“Ohio State filed an appeal to the Big Ten Conference on behalf of Arvell Reese’s action in the fourth quarter of the game,” an Ohio State spokesperson said Monday, via Bucknuts. “The Big Ten went to the NCAA Football Secretary Rules-Editor and, after review, it was determined that this was not targeting. Subsequently, Arvell’s suspension for the first half versus Penn State is vacated.”
Officials flagged Reese for targeting on a hit that was not initiated with the crown of his helmet, but did make contact near the head of Banks, who was deemed defenseless on the play. Replay review upheld the call and ejected Reese from the game. Because it occurred during the second half, by rule, Reese was initially issued a suspension for the first half against Penn State this Saturday.
After the play was reviewed and upheld, the announcement of the decision during the game sent Ohio State coach Ryan Day into a fury as fans erupted in anger as well. Day was animated on the sideline after the targeting penalty, ripping off his headset and unleashed strong verbal frustration with the officials. He had to be held back by an assistant amid the chaos.
Ohio State ultimately held on for a 21-17 win after a game-sealing interception just four plays later.
“We talk a lot this year about leaving no doubt,” Day said after the game on the FOX broadcast. “Don’t leave it in the calls of an official or whatever. Take control of the game. Our defense went out and did that. And that’s what we needed to do. We spent a lot of time talking about that in the off week, of coming out and winning the game in the fourth quarter. Our defense won the game right here in the fourth quarter.”
The incident in the fourth quarter sparked chaos and outrage as fans littered the field at Ohio Stadium with water bottles and other objects. The situation occurred just one week after Texas fans tossed trash on the field during a controversial moment in a loss to Georgia. A defensive pass interference call initially negated an interception by the Longhorns, but was overturned on the field after conversation between officials.
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No. 4 Ohio State travels to No. 3 Penn State Saturday. Kickoff is set for noon ET inside Beaver Stadium.
Carter Bahns contributed to this report.
