The Big Ten will not reprimand Ohio State after fans threw bottles on the field
Portrait of Lori SchmidtLori Schmidt
Columbus Dispatch
The Big Ten has expressed approval of how Ohio State handled a brief delay caused by water-bottle-tossing fans in Saturday’s win over the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
“All Big Ten institutions are expected to adhere to the policies and procedures within the Big Ten Football Game Management Manual,” the league said in a statement shared with The Columbus Dispatch. “The security and protection of student-athletes, officials, coaches and staff is of utmost importance. The conference is confident that Ohio State staff properly handled the situation on Saturday and will have no additional comment.”
Nebraska, down 21-17, started its final drive with 3:36 remaining. The Huskers had just held Ohio State to a three-and-out and were taking over at their own 24-yard line following a Buckeyes’ punt.
On first down, Jahmal Banks was flagged for offensive pass interference, pushing Nebraska back to their 12, and making it first-and-22.
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The replay booth upheld the call, even though a later Big Ten review deemed that targeting had not taken place. A handful of Ohio State fans in the south stands threw water bottles on the field when the referee announced the results of instant replay.
OSU’s public address announcer pleaded with those fans to stop, and officials took a precautionary measure to protect Nebraska’s players.
The replay booth upheld the call, even though a later Big Ten review deemed that targeting had not taken place. A handful of Ohio State fans in the south stands threw water bottles on the field when the referee announced the results of instant replay.
OSU’s public address announcer pleaded with those fans to stop, and officials took a precautionary measure to protect Nebraska’s players.
They told us to come to the middle of the field because they were throwing bottles,” Nebraska coach Matt Rhule said. “But trust me, I’m from Philly. I’m all for all that. That doesn’t bother me. I just got the guys to the middle and said, ‘Let’s go.’ ”
His quarterback was a bit more upset.
“The bottles being thrown, it kind of feels like it disrespects football and just the nature of it,” Raiola said. “But it happened, and we had to get away from it.”
Freshman quarterback Dylan Raiola tried to get the ball to Banks again on the next play, but Banks was hit hard by Ohio
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