Ryan Day received word from the Big Ten about Robert Fitzgerald's tackle on Jeremiah Smith this past Saturday. However, that word is incomplete.
On Wednesday, Day said the Big Ten responded to his appeal that Fitzgerald twisted Smith's ankle on the tackle. While the conference revealed Fitzgerald should been penalized for the move, it's still discussing the matter internally.
"I haven't heard much back other than it should have been a foul," Day said. "I know there's still some conversation there."
Fitzgerald's tackle on Smith occurred at the end of his 68-yard catch-and-run against Northwestern. As the Wildcats defensive back pulled Smith to the ground, he twisted the Ohio State star’s ankle.
#6 Robert Fitzgerald purposely twisting and pulling Jeremiah Smiths leg after the play. Dirty play. pic.twitter.com/ZiBrwqesHz
— Buckeye Realm (@BuckeyeRealm_) November 16, 2024
Fitzgerald deleted his X account over the weekend after he received significant backlash from Ohio State fans.
Smith returned to the game on Ohio State’s next possession but touched the ball one more time on an end-around in which he did not appear to move full speed. That left concerns about whether Smith would be at full strength for the Indiana game, but Day said Tuesday that the Buckeyes expect him to play in the contest.
"Good to go," Day said of Smith's status.
