'Free Arvell': Buckeyes frustrated, but relieved at Arvell Reese targeting saga, overturned suspension

by:Tim May•10/30/24•

TIM_MAYsports

Arvell Reese by Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images — Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese forces a fumble while tackling Nebraska wide receiver Jahmal Banks on a play that was called targeting in the fourth quarter of a 21-17 Buckeyes win. (Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

COLUMBUS — Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles left no doubt Tuesday he is glad to have linebacker Arvell Reese available for the entire game Saturday when the No. 4 Buckeyes play at unbeaten No. 3 Penn State in a pivotal Big Ten matchup. That wasn’t going to be the case until the NCAA, taking up the appeal from Ohio State over the ruling of a targeting hit by Reese late in the fourth quarter against Nebraska last week, opted to overturn the call on Monday. “We did free Arvell, didn’t we?” a smiling Knowles said Tuesday at the weekly Ohio State coaches media conference. “Free Arvell. Free Arvell.”