COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State warned fans to stop throwing trash on the field after a controversial targeting call toward the end of the game with Nebraska on Saturday.
The Cornhuskers had the ball with just over three minutes to go in a 4-point game.
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola found Jahman Banks for a pass over the middle and was immediately hit by Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese, who was called for targeting.
The referees reviewed the call for several minutes and the call ultimately stood.
Fans were not happy about the call and threw water bottles, beer cans and cups of cheese sauce onto the field.
The reaction from the fans prompted an almost immediate response from the university.
"Throwing items or entering the field of play is strictly prohibited," the scoreboard read in part. "We ask you BE the Best Fans in the Land. Behave like Champions."
Ryan Day was visibly upset on the sideline over the call as well, which prompted another flag from the refs for a sideline warning. There was no yardage penalty.
Despite the call, Ohio State still won 21-17 thanks to a Jordan Hancock interception to seal the win.
After the game, Day declined to comment on the call.
"I'm not going to say anything about that right now," Day said.
The warning to fans read: "Buckeye Nation, may we have your attention please. Throwing items or entering the field of play is strictly prohibited. Please refrain from these actions. If you are observed not complying with this policy, law enforcement officers will escort you out of the stadium. We ask you to BE the Best Fans in the Land. Behave like Champions, Keep the standard of excellence and show respect to ALL. Go Bucks!"
The NCAA Football 2024 Rules Book states that targeting is when "a player takes aim at an opponent for purposes of attacking with forcible contact that goes beyond making a legal tackle or a legal block or playing the ball."
The rules book goes on to list some indicators of targeting which include:
• Launch. A player leaving their feet to attack an opponent by an upward and forward thrust of the body to make forcible contact in the head or neck area.
• A crouch followed by an upward and forward thrust to attack with forcible contact at the head or neck area, even though one or both feet are still on the ground.
• Leading with helmet, shoulder, forearm, fist, hand or elbow to attack with forcible contact at the head or neck area.
• Lowering the head before attacking by initiating forcible contact with the crown of the helmet.
This story will be updated.