Ohio State battled the frigid conditions and a tough Minnesota team last Saturday, overcoming three uncharacteristic turnovers in a 31-24 victory. And while Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes were happy to come out with a win, they may have missed a golden opportunity to improve their standing with the College Football Playoff selection committee.
Ranked No. 8 after a 49-37 victory on the road against Michigan State two weeks ago, the Buckeyes suddenly found themselves on the national stage once again when they took the field in Minneapolis. Their challenge came in the form of No. 25 Minnesota, who had thrashed a surging Iowa team 51-14 the previous week.
It was another chance for Ohio State to show its strength, but a sloppy performance turned what could have been an impressive showing into a close (but respectable) win.
The Buckeyes looked to be rolling in the first quarter—up 14 with possession after forcing Minnesota’s offense into its third consecutive three-and-out. That’s when J.T. Barrett went for the kill with an ill-advised deep pass that was intercepted. Five plays later, Gophers running back David Cobb was racing into the end zone to make it a one-score game.
Later in the second quarter, H-back Jalin Marshall was diving for a seven-yard touchdown when he fumbled the ball into the end zone. The Gophers recovered and then marched 80 yards in 11 plays, turning what should have been a 14-point Buckeyes lead into a tie game.
Ohio State…
Continue Reading: Did Ohio State Blow Opportunity to Improve Playoff Standing Against Minnesota?
