A controversial targeting call in Saturday’s Ohio State-Nebraska game led to some interesting discussion in the Fox Sports booth, with rules analyst Mike Pereira claiming officials missed a big call.
Late in the fourth quarter, with Nebraska deep in its own territory, Dylan Raiola threw a pass to Jahmal Banks that got broken up by Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese. Officials flagged Reese for targeting on the play, and the play underwent official review.
Ohio State is called for targeting on this play
Nebraska’s offense stays on the field, trailing 21-17 with 3:14 to go in the 4th pic.twitter.com/D5mNZVskr9
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 26, 2024
Some Ohio State fans threw water bottles on the field to protest the call. After the review, the call was upheld, as Reese had struck Banks in the head and/or neck area, even though he didn’t lead with his helmet.
Ohio State coach Ryan Day, who was standing in a crowd of coaches, players and officials on the field as the play underwent review, suddenly threw his headset on the ground in anger and began yelling and storming around.
After a targeting call in Nebraska-Ohio State, Fox showed OSU coach Ryan Day’s reaction, with rules analyst Mike Pereira saying “He catches a break there” and analyst Joel Klatt saying “I think that what they’re saying is everyone was out on the field.” pic.twitter.com/HPzwKB5WGo
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 26, 2024
Pereira said Day should have been flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct.
“He catches a break here,” Pereira said. “You can’t be out on the field here and do this.”
Analyst Joel Klatt tried to add context.
“I think that what they’re saying is everyone was out on the field,” he said.
The officials did issue Ohio State a sideline warning following the incident.
In the end, the play, and Day’s outburst, did not decide the game’s outcome, as No. 4 Ohio State intercepted a pass several plays later to hang on for a 21-17 win.
[Fox Sports]
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.