12 hours ago
4
College football fans have been left furious after Ohio State player Caleb Downs somehow avoided punishment for a sinister hit on his opponent.
During the fourth quarter of the Buckeyes' resounding win over Penn State on Saturday, Downs seemingly launched into an opponent with his helmet.
Penn State's Bekkem Kritza desperately tried to catch a pass from his quarterback but was unable to reach it.
However, as he landed and turned downfield, Downs was waiting to steamroll him with a brutal tackle.
Replays clearly show Downs' helmet struck Kritza in the neck, forcing his opponent to fly into the air and land on his back.
The officials bizarrely penalized Downs for targeting before reviewing it and wiping out the penalty, leaving fans furious on social media.
Ohio State player Caleb Downs somehow avoided punishment for a sinister hit on an opponent
Penn State's Bekkem Kritza desperately tried to catch a pass but took a thumping hit instead
A furious viewer demanded Downs be removed from the field after officials changed their call
One fan called the decision 'embarrassing' while others claimed it signaled favoritism towards the reigning national champions.
Another furious viewer demanded Downs be removed from the field entirely, writing: 'Get him out of the game.'
'I am shocked they didn't call that targeting. Absolutely shocked,' another added.
A third posted: 'Total BS cheap shot.'
'Typical dirty nasty Ohio State play,' another critic commented.
After the play was overturned, cameras cut to Downs on the sideline and he looked both shocked and relieved at the decision.
Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin passed for 316 yards and four touchdowns, while their sensational receiver Jeremiah Smith scored twice.
Ryan Day's top-ranked Buckeyes pulled away in the second half for a 38-14 victory over the Nittany Lions.
The Buckeyes had a 17-14 lead at halftime, but took control in the second half by scoring on three of their first four possessions.
Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton both had rushing scores for Penn State, which has dropped five straight and lost both games with interim coach Terry Smith at the helm. Smith took over after James Franklin was fired on October 12.
It's the first time since 2003 in a non-COVID season that the Nittany Lions have dropped five straight and started 0-5 in the Big Ten.
