Oregon Ducks’ Traeshon Holden is ejected and spits in the face of Ohio State defender: WATCH

The No. 3 Oregon Ducks experienced some questionable performances in the first half against the No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes. There was a potential duck interception that was called a catch for Ohio State and a non-call for pass interception that stalled an Oregon drive.

The biggest decision in the first half, however, was the exclusion of Oregon wide receiver Traeshon Holden. Holden spit in the face of an Ohio State defender, which is completely inappropriate and worthy of ejection.

It appeared the Oregon Ducks had an interception on Ohio State’s first drive. The play was not reviewed and the Buckeyes scored a touchdown a few plays later.

Oregon Ducks linebacker Jeffrey Bassa looked like he intercepted Ohio State quarterback Will Howard on the Buckeyes’ first drive. Howard threw the ball across the middle to Ohio State tight end Will Kacmarek.

Kacmerek and Bassa got into a tug-of-war with the ball, and it appeared Bassa had it under control when the two hit the ground. A catch was called on the field and Howard got the Buckeyes to the line quickly enough to snap the ball so there was no review.

Since the play did not involve a loss of the ball, it will not be automatically reviewed. Oregon’s coaching staff would have to inform the referees that they would be calling a timeout to review the decision on the field. It’s unclear whether coach Dan Lanning learned in time that the play on the field might have been an interception.

Did Oregon coach Dan Lanning try to alert the referees to review the call on the field?

Later in the first quarter, Oregon lost the field. Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel three and incomplete pass on 2nd down and 8, but it appeared Ducks wide receiver Evan Stewart was interfered with. The referees let it happen and there was no call.

Two plays later, kicker Atticus Sappington missed a field goal and the drive came up empty.

The most notable decision in the first half was the unsportsmanlike conduct and ejection of Ducks wide receiver Traeshon Holden. While the Ducks were in the red zone, Holden spit in the face of an Ohio State defender after the play.

It was an inexcusable act by Holden and he deserved to be ejected from the game. It’s a big game and emotions are running high, but there is no excuse for an action like this. It will be a topic of conversation all week.

For now, the Ducks have to figure out how to replace Holden. The Ducks lead 22-21 at halftime.