Referees Miss Critical Targeting Penalty On Ohio State WR Carnell Tate

The Ohio State Buckeyes struggled in the first half against the Indiana Hoosiers, and there was a play that could have been called a targeting that wasn't.

The Ohio State Buckeyes struggled in the first half, but they had a chance to tack on a touchdown late in the second quarter if it weren't for a potential missed targeting call.

Quarterback Kyle McCord lofted a pass intended for true freshman wide receiver Carnell Tate near the goal line, as the play was broken up by Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Josh Sanguinetti. However, after replay, it appeared Sanguinetti made forceable helmet-to-helmet contact with Tate.

Had the referees thrown a flag on the play, the Buckeyes would have had a first down at the Indiana 11-yard line. Instead, Ohio State faced second-and-10.

The drive stalled after a pair of incompletions — including a pass across the middle in the end zone to Tate — and Buckeyes kicker Jayden Fielding made a 40-yard field goal attempt to give Ohio State a 10-3 lead before halftime.

The referees were faced with a potential targeting call earlier in the game that was overturned after replay.

Buckeyes transfer cornerback Davison Igbinosun tackled Indiana quarterback Brendan Sorsby who had taken a keeper for 11 yards. Sorsby dove to the ground and Igbinosun followed, looking like he hit Sorsby in the helmet which prompted a flag being thrown.

After the play was reviewed, it was determined Igbinosun used his shoulder and avoided Sorsby's helmet enough for the targeting penalty to be overturned. Had the officials confirmed the targeting call, Igbinosun would have been ejected on just his second play as a Buckeye.

That play was Igbinosun's first and only tackle of the game.