What is targeting in college football? Ohio State has latest controversy regarding rule

The targeting ejection called on Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese on Sunday and later reversed is confusing to many and has been controversial over the years.

Reese was penalized and ejected for targeting Saturday against Nebraska after he hit Cornhuskers receiver Jahmal Banks late in the Buckeyes’ 21-17 victory. Reese primarily hit Banks with his shoulder, but officials ruled that Banks was defenseless, so targeting applied.

Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (20) hits Nebraska Cornhuskers wide receiver Jahmal Banks (4) during the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. Reese was called for targeting on the play. Ohio State won 21-17.

Ohio State appealed the targeting ruling to the Big Ten, which went to the NCAA Football Secretary Rules-Editor. After review, it was determined that Reese was not guilty of targeting. If the appeal had failed, Reese would have had to sit out the first half of Saturday’s showdown at No. 3 Penn State.

“He’s able to play in this game, and they realize that should not have been targeting,” Ohio State coach Ryan Day said Tuesday.

Banks caught a pass from quarterback Dylan Raiola and then was hit by Reese as he started running. The ball was jarred loose, and Ohio State recovered. But the targeting penalty nullified the turnover. The Buckeyes’ defense then held Nebraska from scoring a game-winning touchdown.

“I think part of that was the fact that he was ruled a runner,” Day said. “If you rule he’s a runner, it’s hard to be defenseless so how does that become targeting?”

That was the basis for Ohio State’s appeal to the Big Ten.

More: Could Ohio State football starting safety Lathan Ransom return at Penn State?

“I give the league credit,” Day said. “I think the easy thing to do would have been just to say…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/targeting-college-football-ohio-state-205516524.html

Author : The Columbus Dispatch

Publish date : 2024-10-29 20:55:16

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.