Ohio State’s season ended with a 14-3 loss to Missouri in the Cotton Bowl. Buckeyes fans found a new reason to be angry at head coach Ryan Day.
Dave Biddle, who covers the Buckeyes for 247Sports, claimed Ohio State didn’t use all of its 15 allotted practices for the bowl matchup. He also said they ran “light” practices in December.
“How about getting your guys ready for the freaking game?” Biddle said.
Fans vented over a team allegedly taking a couple off days before a non-playoff bowl game.
“Ohio State football has been hijacked,” a fan hyperbolically declared. “This is embarrassing.”
FIRE RYAN DAY . Ohio State football has been hijacked. This is embarrassing.
Dave Biddle says Ohio State only practiced 12-13 times out of the 15 allowed, and they were very light practices. pic.twitter.com/VcPgs7X6RY
— Official Ohio State DG (@DylanEveryday) January 3, 2024
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“Yeah this isn’t good,” another fan said. “New offensive line, new QB and you are leaving practices on the table? Failed those kids for that bowl game.”
Yeah this isn’t good…
New offensive line, new QB and you are leaving practices on the table?Failed those kids for that bowl game https://t.co/CRBRzDXjfm
— Kris Drew (@KristopherDrew_) January 3, 2024
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“This is so odd,” a fan wrote. “We were always told that bowl practices are incredibly valuable to a team for the following year.”
This is so odd. We were always told that bowl practices are incredibly valuable to a team for the following year. https://t.co/9IkEgw3ntg
— Who_Dey_Libre (@LasVegasBuckeye) January 3, 2024
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“This is what happens when you lose to Michigan three years in a row and have the most pathetic offensive performance ever in the Cotton Bowl,” a fan said. “Everyone will start to scrutinize every thing – little or big – about the program. And rightfully so.”
This is what happens when you lose to Michigan 3 years in a row and have the most pathetic offensive performance ever in the Cotton Bowl
Everyone will start to scrutinize every thing – little or big – about the program. And rightfully so. https://t.co/E5Xz9ju978
— Conner Viers (@cviers) January 3, 2024
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Without Marvin Harrison Jr. and other key players, Ohio State mustered just 203 total yards in last Friday’s loss. Quarterbacks Devin Brown and Lincoln Kienholz combined to complete 10 of 23 pass attempts at Arlington.
The Buckeyes also committed eight penalties and converted two of 15 third-down tries.
It was an ugly way to end the season, but perhaps fans must alter their expectations regarding bowl games. Outside the playoffs, they’re essentially becoming glorified exhibition games with most players transferring or opting out beforehand.
Ohio State supporters will hope that’s not an issue next season. While nobody would like another loss to Michigan, an 11-1 year should get the Buckeyes into an expanded 12-team postseason.