Ohio State has dreadful offensive showing in Cotton Bowl without its stars

Ohio State saw its season come to a disappointing end on Friday night, dropping a snoozefest to Missouri in the Cotton Bowl, 14-3. 

Scoring was expected to be a struggle for the Buckeyes heading into the game after starting quarterback Kyle McCord transferred to Syracuse following the conclusion of the regular season and superstar wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. withdrew from the game so that he could prepare for the 2024 NFL Draft. Add in a matchup against a strong Missouri defense and it proved to be a dreadful offensive showing for Ohio State.

Although nobody could have anticipated the Buckeyes would play as poorly as they did.

Ohio State managed just three total points, only 12 first downs, recorded just 203 total yards of offense and had to punt the ball eight times. They also missed a field goal and turned the ball over once. 

It was a winnable game with even mediocre offense, and the Buckeyes couldn't even manage that.

Ohio State's offense had taken a step back during the regular season, but it was still good enough to go 12-0 to open the year. The departure of McCord and the absence of Harrison Jr. took away any big-play ability that was left.

Backup quarterback Devin Brown ended up getting the start in place of McCord, and the Buckeyes were hoping he could perhaps provide some optimism at the position going into the 2024 season. Unfortunately, he had to leave the game early due to an injury, turning the position over to true freshman Lincoln Kienholz. He struggled mightily, completing just 6-of-17 passes for only 86 yards. He also lost a fumble in the fourth quarter, thus ending any potential comeback opportunity for Ohio State.

It was a tough pill to swallow for Ohio State, especially after the season began with such promise. Just a little over a month ago, the Buckeyes were 12-0 and seemed to be in the driver's seat for a spot in the College Football Playoff. Then they lost to Michigan — again — and could not even get a win in their bowl game. 

That continued struggle to win big games is the sort of thing that gets Ohio State fans angry with head coach Ryan Day. Not having McCord and Harrison Jr. certainly hurt, but the end result is the only thing Buckeyes fans truly care about.