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Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs faced backlash Saturday during the team’s win against the Penn State Nittany Lions to remain undefeated on the year.
The play in question occurred in the fourth quarter of the No. 1 Buckeyes’ 38-14 victory over the Nittany Lions. Penn State quarterback Ethan Grunkmeyer overthrew wide receiver Khalil Dinkins. It looked like Downs ducked his head and nailed Dinkins with the crown of his helmet.
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Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) intercepts a pass intended for Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Khalil Dinkins (16) during the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
College football fans demanded that referees give Downs a targeting penalty, which would have led to an ejection. However, officials said there was no foul for targeting, but Downs was penalized for unnecessary roughness. I was elated after the call was announced.
Downs took advantage of his overtime in the game with an interception.
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Fans expressed their fury on social media.
Downs was asked about the play after the game.
“God gave me one right there,” Downs told reporters on WSYX-TV. “I really appreciate the time when you showed mercy to me.”
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates with safety Jaylen McClain (18) and linebacker Sonny Styles (0) after Downs intercepted a pass in the second half at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 in Columbus, Ohio. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Downs finished with five tackles in the game, including one for loss.
Buckeyes quarterback Julian Sayin was 20-for-23 with 316 passing yards and four touchdown passes. Ohio State wide receivers Carnell Tate (124) and Jeremiah Smith (123) each had more than 120 receiving yards. Tate had one touchdown and Smith had two.
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Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) warms up during the NCAA football game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 1, 2025. (Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Ohio State running back Bo Jackson had 105 rushing yards on 13 carries.
The Buckeyes improved to 8-0 this season while Penn State fell to 3-5. The Nittany Lions have yet to win a game against a Big Ten opponent.
