Big Ten has announced that junior DB Denzel Ward should not have been called for targeting in last weekends game against Maryland.

The play was sent to the Big Ten for review and the conference determined that there was no penalty. Ward hit Terrapins receiver Tavion Jacobs early in the first quarter of the game and was sent to the locker-room for the remainder of the match. He led with his shoulder into the chest of the opponent and did not make contact with the neck or head of the offensive player.

Every week the Buckeyes send film to the conference office for review of calls. This week it was determined that the call on –the-field was fine but that the replay review should have overturned the targeting call. Coach Urban Meyer was very frustrated and irate that such a mistake could be made during a game. The call this week had no impact on the overall outcome as Ohio State won easily 62-14, but in a close game could be a huge issue.

Ohio State feels that with the call overturned by the replay official, Ward would have had an additional turnover for the team as he picked up the ball after Jacobs was hit. Quite possibly a touchdown as he had a clear path to the end-zone when the officials on the field blew the call dead. Ward was awarded at practice this week for the fumble.

Ward remains eligible to play this coming weekend against Nebraska.

Defensive Back Damon Arnette isn’t as lucky, he was also called for targeting during the game and will have to server an additional half game suspension during the Saturday game. Arnette hit Maryland quarterback Max Bortenschlager as he was sliding in the 2nd half and was ejected.

Denzel Ward HUGE HIT on Maryland Wide Receiver. Ohio State vs. Maryland (2017)