Ohio State cheerleader OK after near trampling

ARLINGTON, Texas, Jan. 13 (UPI) — As pre game festivities flamed in Arlington for the first College Football Playoff National Championship, fans were quick to notice the missing “O” flag as Ohio State cheerleaders took the field with “O,” “H,” and “I,” flags.

But as smoke fogged, supporters screamed, and trumpets blared, the Buckeyes football team was nearly running over its own cheerleader as the final flag fell under their cleats, prior to the Buckeye’s 42-20 win over Oregon Monday at AT&T Stadium.

Cheerleader Ally Nelson fell after the male cheerleader carrying the “O” flag, tripped on the flag pole’s base. The male cheerleader then ran back to protect her amid a boisterous Buckeye’s rush, according to ESPN.

The Ohio State spirit squad tweeted that Nelson was OK after what it called a “miscommunication.”