Ryan Day Apoplectic After Controversial Targeting Call on Ohio State vs. Nebraska

The Buckeyes won, but the Cornhuskers did not make it easy.

Ryan Day reacts during Ohio State's win over Nebraska. | Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

On Saturday, No. 4 Ohio State found itself in a classic midseason slog against Nebraska—the kind of game where a great team plays down to a good one and unusual events take place.

The Buckeyes wound up 21–17 winners, but not before coach Ryan Day had his say after a controversial targeting call on Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese.

The targeting call allowed the Cornhuskers to keep possession with 3:14 left after appearing at first glance to fumble the ball away, and Day responded by berating the game officials and spiking his headset. Fox rules analyst Mike Pereira suggested that Day should've been penalized and "(caught) a break."

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

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

Nebraska's march continued, but quarterback Dylan Raiola threw an interception with 1:16 left to end the game.

The Buckeyes—sloppy in their first action since losing to Oregon on Oct. 12—have a massive matchup with No. 3 Penn State looming next Saturday in University Park, Pa.