In one of
the best games in the history of the CFP, the Buckeyes and Bulldogs had a fight
to the finish ending with a heart-breaking 42-41 loss that ended Ohio State’s
season. Ohio State’s offense came
swinging right out the gate and was not fazed when the Bulldogs erased a 21-7
lead in the second quarter, driving down the field at the end of the first half
to take a 28-24 lead at halftime. With
the absence, yet again, of a sustained rushing attack and OSU’s most prolific
receiver, Marvin Harrison Jr. out with an injury, C.J. Stroud put the offense
on his back, throwing for 348 yards and four touchdowns without an
interception. His 27-yard scramble and
run on the final drive put Ohio State in position to win. Alas, the questionable play calling with
under a minute left had Noah Ruggles attempting a long field goal from the left
hash mark. It was not the time to run
slant routes and simple dump-off passes.
Rather, they should’ve run it to the middle of the field to give Ruggles
a straight-on attempt. But, the lack of
a consistent ground game, thanks to injuries and play calling, reared its ugly
head and, as much as anything else, contributed to the loss. Despite that Emeka Egbuka led all receivers
with eight catches and Harrison Jr. had two touchdown receptions. Dallan Hayden led all OSU runners with 43
yards on nine carries and Xavier Johnson saw some time at RB, carrying six
times for 28 yards.
The defense was gashed for over 40
points for the second straight game, twice allowing Georgia to erase 14-point
leads. Lathan Ransom had nine tackles to
lead the way. Steele Chambers was a bright
spot in an otherwise dismal defensive performance with eight tackles, a sack,
and an interception that set up a touchdown.
Zach Harrison also had a good game with two TFLs and a sack and Tommy
Eichenberg pitched in with eight stops. Other
than that, it was pretty dismal, giving up 42 points and 533 total yards.
Despite playing better than expected
against a Georgia team that was expected to blow them off the field, Ohio State
enters the off-season on a two-game losing streak. It is the first time since the end of the
2013 season, nine years ago, the Buckeyes have lost back-to-back games and much
soul-searching will be done, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
My season
review will come out later this week.
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