Saturday’s game between Oregon and Ohio State got quite tense late, in part because of a controversial non-call late in the fourth quarter.
The Ducks held a 35-28 lead over the Buckeyes, with Ohio State facing a 3rd and 20 with just over six minutes left. Ohio State wide receiver Chris Olave made the catch just past the line of scrimmage, but was quickly brought down by Ducks linebacker Noah Sewell.
The tackle came under extensive scrutiny, with many questioning whether the hit deserved a targeting call. FOX rules analyst Mike Pereira felt that targeting should have been called due to the fact that Sewell led with the crown of his helmet, even though Olave was already falling down and there was no helmet-to-helmet contact.
Should Noah Sewell’s hit on Chris Olave been called for targeting?
pic.twitter.com/87rOZl1kju— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 11, 2021
Targeting or no? pic.twitter.com/9nLKOMp90f
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 11, 2021
In the end, the replay booth looked at the play and decided there was no targeting. The Buckeyes were forced to punt. Had targeting been called, Sewell would have been ejected, and the Buckeyes would have been the beneficiaries of a 15-yard penalty.
On one hand, Sewell’s tackle is the kind of play that the sport wants eliminated, and the use of the crown of the helmet is all that matters in terms of the rule. On the other hand, it’s not clear what Sewell is supposed to do with Olave in that position.
One thing is for sure — there won’t be much sympathy for Ohio State considering they got away with what looked like an even more blatant instance of targeting in their season opener.
