Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Devin Brown. Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Ohio State QB suffers ankle injury early in Cotton Bowl

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 12/29/23

Devin Brown’s reign as the starter for Ohio State lasted about as long as Aaron Rodgers’ with the Jets this season.

Brown, who backed up Kyle McCord for the Buckeyes this season, finally got his opportunity to start Friday in the Cotton Bowl Classic against Missouri. The sophomore quarterback got his cleat stuck in the turf at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in the first quarter, resulting in an ankle injury.

Here's the play where Ohio State QB Devin Brown came up hobbled. Reaches for his left ankle after he's brought down by Missouri safety JC Carlies.

Note: Brown missed time this season with an injured right ankle. pic.twitter.com/mktgybKlTw

— Andy Backstrom (@andybackstrom) December 30, 2023

Brown was hardly able to move after that. He was a sitting duck on a sack by the Tigers early in the second quarter.

Missouri forced a fumble on Ohio State QB Devin Brown and recovered it.

But it was ruled down and was NOT reviewed… pic.twitter.com/C2wsDY2o2B

— College Football Report (@CFBRep) December 30, 2023

Brown exited after that sack and went into the locker room. He later reemerged on Ohio State’s sideline and was seen riding a stationary bicycle. The Buckeyes eventually turned to Lincoln Kienholz to run their offense.

Imagine waiting all season to get your chance to start, only to get hurt in the first quarter. Brown had to be feeling pretty rotten after that.

To add insult to literal injury, the Buckeyes would go on to lose 14-3. Kienholz went just 6-of-17 for 86 yards. Leading 3-0 until the fourth quarter, Missouri would score 14 in the final stanza.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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