November 28, 2024

Officials Under Fire for Controversial Call in Ohio State-Penn State

In a Week 10 battle that has major College Football Playoff implications, the No. 4 Ohio State Buckeyes are visiting the No. 3 Penn State Nittany Lions. While Penn State came into the game ranked higher, they also came into the game as underdogs who have beaten the Buckeyes just one time in the last 10 meetings. In order to secure the win and prove that they can actually compete with the big dogs of college football, the Nittany Lions need to play near-perfect and as clean a game as possible.

No one play should define a game, but a second-quarter penalty call against Penn State will undoubtedly be a moment that many fans look back to if they end up losing. With Ohio State in a 3rd-and-11 situation, Will Howard connected with Carnell Tate for a gain of seven, but it resulted in a first down when things were all said and done. Penn State safety Elliot Washington II ended up getting tangled with Tate as he attempted to make a tackle, but when he got up, Washington stepped over Tate. It’s unclear if he said anything to him, but Elliot was hit with unsportsmanlike conduct that turned a stop into a conversion.

A call that many fans on social media vehemently disagreed with.

penn state vs refs,” wrote one fan. “Big Ten refs just trying to DRAG Ohio State to a title week in week out ,” wrote another. “Ref that is just searching for a call. Let the boys decide the game,” added one fan.

“Changed the whole game and possibly the season for both teams. Just stupid,” commented another. On top of getting a first down, the Buckeyes ended up scoring a touchdown later that drive as Howard connected with Brandon Innis for a 21-yard touchdown. The score gave the Buckeyes a 14-10 lead, and now Penn State fans will be left wondering what would have been had the drive ended in a punt instead. The score remained the same for the remainder of the half, and if Penn State ends up losing that penalty will haunt them.

 

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