Ohio State DB Shaun Wade ejected for targeting Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence in Fiesta Bowl
Jace EvansOhio State jumped out to a 16-0 lead over Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl, but the Tigers got a much-needed jolt during a key second quarter sequence in the College Football Playoff semifinal.
On third down near midfield, Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence was smoked on a blitz by Ohio State defensive back Shaun Wade. The tackle by Wade and star defensive lineman Chase Young appeared to injure Lawrence, who was in visible pain as he was attended to by trainers.
But as Lawrence jogged off the field, the play was being reviewed for targeting. Replays showed that Wade led with the crown of his helmet, resulting in a personal foul targeting penalty and ejection for Wade, a third team All-Big Ten selection.
Five plays later, Clemson scored to cut the deficit to 16-7. Lawrence missed one play, but returned to the field to lead the rest of the drive. The big play was a defensive pass interference penalty as the Tigers tested the shuffled Buckeyes secondary.
After an Ohio State three-and-out, Clemson cut the deficit to 16-14 on a 67-yard scamper by Lawrence, who certainly looked no worse for wear on the play.
Ohio State coach Ryan Day called the ejection "a change in the game" during his halftime interview on ESPN, and he wasn't wrong. Clemson took the lead in the third quarter and went on to a thrilling 29-23 win to advance to the national championship game again.
