COLUMBUS, Ohio — Of the four Ohio State losses in the 59-game Urban Meyer era, the most shocking, at least in one way, was the Orange Bowl loss to Clemson after the 2013 season. It wasn’t surprising because Ohio State was the better team and lost. It was surprising because Ohio State wasn’t the better team and lost. Probably in every other Buckeye game since 2012, the edge in dynamic, game-breaking, game-changing skill players has gone their way. Even against Alabama in the 2014 College Football Playoff semifinal, the greatest test came from the Tide’s offensive and defensive lines. Alabama had Amari Cooper and T.J. Yeldon and Heisman winner Derrick Henry, but the Buckeyes answered with Ezekiel Elliott and Michael Thomas and Devin Smith and Jalin Marshall. Even in the national title game against Oregon, the issue was shutting down Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota. Even in the two losses to Michigan State in the last four years, the threat came from the Spartans’ defense and discipline. But in Miami on Jan. 4, 2014, Ohio State couldn’t stop Sammy Watkins. The leader of a Clemson receiving corp that included another future NFL receiver in Martavis Bryant, Watkins lit up the Orange…
Continue Reading: Ohio State's playmaker advantage, their edge against Wisconsin and so many others: Doug Lesmerises
