Ohio State receives surprise help from the Big Ten that only helps their chances of beating Penn State

Arvell Reese will no longer face suspension during the first half of Ohio State’s highly anticipated matchup against Penn State.

After Ohio State's victory over Nebraska, the program appealed to the Big Ten concerning Reese’s targeting penalty. They argued that he should not have been ejected for his hit on Nebraska wide receiver Jahmal Banks.

The Big Ten consulted with the NCAA, which reviewed the play and decided that it should not have been penalized for targeting, thereby lifting Reese’s suspension and allowing him to play the entire game against Penn State, according to an Ohio State spokesperson.

Although the targeting penalty was not overturned during an in-game review, it drew immediate criticism from Ryan Day and Buckeye fans. Day received a sideline warning for his protests towards the officials, while some fans threw objects onto the field—a scene reminiscent of Texas fans who reacted similarly just a week prior after a questionable pass interference call that reversed an interception. This led to a stoppage in play until the game could resume.

Related: Former Ohio State 5-star QB commit Dylan Raiola calls Buckeye fans 'disrespectful'

Once play continued, the targeting penalty advanced Nebraska's offense to the Ohio State 46-yard line. However, Ohio State's defense responded well, with Cody Simon making two consecutive tackles for loss before Dylan Raiola threw a decisive interception to Jordan Hancock, clinching a 21-17 victory for the Buckeyes.

The targeting call against Reese wasn't the only officiating error from that game which prompted an official response from the Big Ten on Monday. In a separate statement, the Big Ten noted that a run by Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson late in the first half was incorrectly marked two yards short, leading to a third down—an opportunity the Cornhuskers converted on their way to a field goal—rather than a first down.

Reese has been a significant player off the bench for Ohio State's defense this season, registering 19 tackles and two tackles for loss. He ranks as the team's No. 3 linebacker behind Cody Simon (33 tackles, four tackles for loss, one sack) and Sonny Styles (43 tackles, three tackles for loss, one sack).

On Saturday, the Cleveland native made his second start of the season, positioned between Simon and Styles as Ohio State deployed a 4-3 defense. Reese also participated in the Buckeyes’ base 4-2-5 defense, taking Simon’s place for eight plays at Mike linebacker.

In total, Reese logged 24 snaps in the game before his late ejection in the fourth quarter.