Breaking News: Ohio State Football’s Dreams of Being the Top Team of the Year Has Failed Due To …see more

Breaking News: Ohio State Football’s Dreams of Being the Top Team of the Year Has Failed Due To …see more

In what many had once believed to be an almost inevitable path to national prominence, the Ohio State Buckeyes football program has encountered a series of unexpected setbacks that have not only jeopardized their aspirations for a national championship but have also cast doubts on their long-term dominance. For a team that entered the season as one of the preseason favorites to claim the top spot in college football, their journey through 2024 has been marred by injuries, off-field controversies, and a series of narrow losses that have ultimately derailed their hopes of being the top team of the year.

### Early Optimism and High Expectations

When Ohio State opened the season in September, their roster was stacked with talent across both sides of the ball. Head Coach Ryan Day had assembled one of the most promising squads in recent memory, featuring standout quarterback Devin Brown, a dynamic running back in TreVeyon Henderson, and a defense led by the relentless pass-rusher J.T. Tuimoloau. The Buckeyes entered the season ranked No. 2 in the nation, trailing only Georgia in most preseason polls, and their game against Michigan was already being hyped as a potential playoff preview.

The team’s early games reflected this optimism. Ohio State cruised through their non-conference slate, showcasing an explosive offense and a defense that appeared to have taken a step forward under defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. The Buckeyes defeated teams like Indiana, Western Kentucky, and Youngstown State with ease, often winning by margins of 30 points or more. By Week 4, Ohio State was sitting pretty in the top 3 of the College Football Playoff rankings, with their sights set on an undefeated season and a berth in the playoff.

However, as the season wore on, cracks began to appear in the Buckeyes’ seemingly perfect armor.

### Injury Troubles and the Strain on Key Players

The first sign that things might not go according to plan came in Week 5 when star running back TreVeyon Henderson suffered a high-ankle sprain in a blowout win over Maryland. Although Henderson’s injury was initially thought to be minor, it quickly became apparent that it would linger and affect his performance for the remainder of the season. While Ohio State still had plenty of talent in the backfield with Miyan Williams and freshmen Dallan Hayden, Henderson’s absence left a hole in the Buckeyes’ rushing attack that would ultimately be difficult to fill.

Quarterback Devin Brown, who had been a revelation early in the season, also faced challenges as the year progressed. A combination of a tough schedule and unrelenting pressure from opposing defenses forced Brown to take a beating, and by midseason, reports surfaced that he was dealing with multiple nagging injuries, including a shoulder issue that had been limiting his throwing velocity. While Brown never fully succumbed to injury, his play became noticeably less sharp, and his confidence seemed shaken, especially in tight games.

Despite the depth at most positions, the constant shuffling of the lineup due to these injuries prevented Ohio State from finding any offensive consistency. The offensive line, which had been one of the team’s greatest strengths in previous years, also showed signs of wear, particularly in their inability to protect the quarterback in crucial moments.

### The Michigan Game: A Crucial Turning Point

As the regular season approached its climax, the Buckeyes found themselves facing their most crucial test of the year: the annual showdown with archrival Michigan. The game was even more significant in 2024, as both teams were undefeated and ranked in the top 5, with a College Football Playoff spot potentially on the line.

For Ohio State, this rivalry game was everything. It was their chance to prove they were still the kings of the Big Ten, a chance to exorcise the demons of previous seasons in which Michigan had gotten the better of them, and a chance to reaffirm their spot among the nation’s elite teams. Yet, as the game unfolded, it became clear that Ohio State was not the dominant team they had hoped to be.

The Buckeyes’ offense struggled throughout the game, failing to establish any rhythm in the first half. Devin Brown, despite his best efforts, looked uncomfortable in the pocket, and the Michigan defense was relentless in pressuring him. Ohio State’s running game, already hampered by Henderson’s injuries, was effectively neutralized by Michigan’s stout front seven. In stark contrast, Michigan’s offense, led by quarterback J.J. McCarthy, was efficient and explosive, utilizing a balanced attack that kept Ohio State’s defense on its heels.

Ohio State’s defense, which had been one of the team’s strongest points, was also caught off guard by Michigan’s up-tempo play calling. Despite a valiant effort by Tuimoloau and the defensive line, the Wolverines were able to move the ball with relative ease, scoring several key touchdowns and controlling possession for much of the game. In the end, Ohio State fell to Michigan in a disappointing 34-21 defeat that essentially ended their hopes for an undefeated season and any chance of making the College Football Playoff.

### Off-Field Controversies: Another Distraction

As if the on-field challenges weren’t enough, Ohio State’s football program found itself embroiled in controversy off the field during the middle of the season. In a shocking turn of events, several high-profile players were implicated in an NCAA investigation surrounding improper benefits and violations of team rules. While the full details of the investigation have not yet been made public, sources close to the program suggest that certain players were involved in accepting money for autographed memorabilia and other promotional items, a violation that could lead to significant penalties for the program.

While the NCAA has not yet rendered any decisions, the ongoing investigation has been a major distraction for the team. Some players, particularly those who were not involved in the scandal, have openly discussed how the constant media attention and internal turmoil affected their focus and preparation. The timing of the investigation, just weeks before the Michigan game, only compounded Ohio State’s problems.

### A Disappointing Loss to Penn State

Ohio State’s post-Michigan schedule did little to provide relief. In fact, things went from bad to worse in Week 12 when the Buckeyes suffered a shocking home loss to Penn State, 27-24, in a game that eliminated them from contention for a Big Ten Championship.

The Nittany Lions, who had been inconsistent all season, managed to capitalize on Ohio State’s continued struggles, particularly in the red zone. Penn State’s defense, which had been solid all year, stifled Ohio State’s offense when it mattered most. Devin Brown, still dealing with lingering injuries, threw two crucial interceptions, and the offensive line struggled to create running lanes for the Buckeyes’ backs. On the other side of the ball, Penn State’s quarterback Drew Allar played the game of his life, throwing for 320 yards and three touchdowns, and keeping Ohio State’s defense on its heels throughout the game.

The loss was a devastating blow to Ohio State’s chances of reclaiming their status as the top team in college football, and it all but eliminated any hopes of earning a spot in the College Football Playoff, which had once seemed like a given.

### The Final Straw: The College Football Playoff Picture

With the Buckeyes now sitting at 9-2, the final nail in their coffin came when the College Football Playoff selection committee released its rankings following the conclusion of the regular season. Ohio State, once considered a lock for one of the four spots, found itself on the outside looking in, as teams like Georgia, Alabama, and Oregon moved ahead of them in the rankings.

For Ohio State, the realization that their dreams of national glory had slipped away in such a dramatic fashion was difficult to process. After a season filled with promise, the team’s inability to overcome injuries, distractions, and tough competition left them far from their ultimate goal. Coach Ryan Day, who had been under increasing scrutiny due to the team’s failures, expressed disappointment but also vowed to rebuild and regroup for the future.

### Looking Ahead: Ohio State’s Path to Redemption

As the Buckeyes enter the offseason, the big question now is how they will bounce back from such a turbulent year. Coach Ryan Day’s future is very much in question, as the once-dominant Ohio State program is at a crossroads. The expectation has always been that Ohio State should compete for national championships year in and year out, and another year without a playoff appearance could lead to tough decisions at the highest levels of the athletic department.

Recruiting will be a critical factor moving forward, as the Buckeyes will need to reload with fresh talent to stay competitive in an ever-evolving Big Ten and national landscape. The return of key players like Devin Brown, TreVeyon Henderson, and J.T. Tuimoloau could provide hope for the future, but it will take more than just individual talent to overcome the hurdles they face.

For now, Ohio State fans are left to wonder what could have been, as the Buckeyes’ quest to be the top team of the year has been unceremoniously dashed. With Michigan looking poised to dominate the Big Ten for years to come, and other programs on the rise, Ohio State will have to regroup, rebuild, and reclaim their place among college football’s elite. Whether they can do so remains to be seen, but one thing is clear — 2024 was a year full of promise that ultimately ended in disappointment for the Ohio State Buckeyes.