Fiesta Bowl ref defends calls in Clemson’s favor

The Fiesta Bowl referee defended two key calls that went Clemson’s way after video review in the Tigers’ 2923 victory over No. 2 Ohio State on Saturday night in Glendale, Ariz.

A crew of officials from the SEC worked the game between ACC champ Clemson and Big Ten champ Ohio State.

Referee Ken Williamson spoke to a pool reporter after the game to explain two crucial decisions made by review.

Replay officials initiated a video review that led to a targeting call on Ohio State defensive back Shaun Wade in the second quarter after he had sacked Trevor Lawrence on a 3rdand 5. Wade was ejected and what would have been fourth down became a first down at the Ohio State 30 for Clemson, which then scored to cut its deficit to 167.

“This was a crown of thehelmet targeting foul,” Williamson said. “So it did eliminate a lot of other factors. Initial contact was with the crown of the helmet. Then he wrapped up for the tackle. So at that point, targeting was properly called.”

In the third quarter, with Clemson up 2116, the Buckeyes appeared to score a touchdown after Clemson receiver Justyn Ross was stripped of the ball by Ohio State AllAmerican Jeff Okudah and the fumble was returned to the end zone by Jordan Fuller.

Video review ruled Ross hadn’t completed the catch.

“We had a lot of good looks on it,” Williamson said. “The player did not complete the process of the catch, so, therefore, the pass was incomplete.”

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day tried not to criticize the officiating in his postgame comments.

“I think when we look back on it, it is going to be overwhelming,” Day said.