National media outlet says Ohio State Buckeyes were victims of one of the worst officiating calls of the 2024 season
Earlier this week, On3's Pete Nakos detailed the 10 worst calls of the 2024 college football season and one of the calls he mentioned involved the Ohio State Buckeyes. Nakos pointed out the targeting call that went against Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese in the fourth quarter of Ohio State's win against the Nebraska Cornhuskers as […]
Earlier this week, On3's Pete Nakos detailed the 10 worst calls of the 2024 college football season and one of the calls he mentioned involved the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Nakos pointed out the targeting call that went against Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese in the fourth quarter of Ohio State's win against the Nebraska Cornhuskers as one of the worst officiating calls of the year.
The call was overturned by the NCAA the following week, which kept Reese (who was ejected from the game) from serving a suspension.
From On3: Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese was ejected during the late stages of the fourth quarter in the Buckeyes’ win over Nebraska. He was called for targeting after hitting Nebraska wide receiver Jahmal Banks. After a lengthy video review, Reese was ruled to have hit Banks in the head, giving the Cornhuskers 15 extra yards as they tried marching down the field for a game-winning touchdown. Reese’s afternoon was cut short.
The play also resulted in Buckeyes coach Ryan Day spiking his headset and getting a sideline warning. He was close to earning a 15-yard penalty for the antics. Fans proceeded to throw trash onto the field in protest, causing a delay in action. Days after the game, the NCAA announced it had reviewed the call and it was determined it was not targeting.
Ohio State won the game and Reese didn't have to serve a suspension, so the bad call ultimately didn't impact the Buckeyes.
But that almost wasn't the case. The missed call gave Nebraska a first down late in the fourth quarter as the Cornhuskers trailed 21-17.
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola, however, threw a game-ending interception a couple of plays later.
If Raiola doesn't throw that interception and Nebraska scores instead, the Cornhuskers likely win the game.
That would've been a brutal outcome for Ohio State and a terrible look for the NCAA and the officiating crew.
Disaster was avoided, but just barely.
