Ohio State Football's Rise and Fall: From Preseason Glory to Playoff Heartbreak

Introduction

Ohio State Football, a perennial powerhouse in college football, experienced a tumultuous 2022 season. The Buckeyes entered the season ranked number 2 in the nation, boasting a roster of highly touted players and a Heisman candidate in quarterback C.J. Stroud. However, Ohio State's season ended in disappointment, with a heartbreaking loss to rivals Michigan in the regular season finale and a subsequent defeat in the College Football Playoff semifinal to Georgia.

This article examines the complexities of Ohio State's rise and fall during the 2022 season, exploring various perspectives, analyzing data points, and providing real-life examples to unravel the factors that contributed to their downfall.

An Unstoppable Start to the Season

Ohio State began the season with a perfect 11-0 record, dominating opponents with their explosive offense led by Stroud and an opportunistic defense. Stroud showcased his exceptional talent, throwing for over 3,400 yards with 41 touchdowns and only five interceptions through the first 11 games.

The Buckeyes' defense, anchored by future first-round NFL draft pick Jaxon Smith-Njigba, was equally impressive, allowing only 16.3 points per game and forcing 10 turnovers. Ohio State's success earned them the number two ranking in the College Football Playoff rankings, setting the stage for a potential run to a national championship.

The Michigan Loss and Its Aftermath

Everything changed for Ohio State in the regular season finale against bitter rivals Michigan. The Wolverines, led by Heisman Trophy winner Blake Corum, upset the Buckeyes 45-23 in a game that exposed Ohio State's defensive vulnerabilities. Stroud struggled under pressure and made several costly mistakes, while the defense failed to contain Michigan's running game, which amassed over 250 yards.

The Michigan loss had a significant impact on Ohio State's season. The Buckeyes fell to number five in the College Football Playoff rankings, losing their shot at an automatic berth to the national championship game. They were instead selected as the number four seed and faced Georgia in the semifinal.

Playoff Defeat and Season's End

The College Football Playoff semifinal against Georgia proved to be a bridge too far for Ohio State. The Buckeyes were comprehensively outplayed by the defending national champions, losing 42-41 in a game that was closer than the score indicated.

Stroud's Heisman hopes were dashed as he threw for only 238 yards and two touchdowns against two interceptions. The defense, which had been so stout early in the season, was unable to slow down Georgia's powerful offense, led by quarterback Stetson Bennett and running back Kenny McIntosh.

Analyzing the Factors behind the Fall

Ohio State's disappointing end to the season raised several questions about the factors that contributed to their downfall. Several key areas emerged:

Defensive Struggles

Ohio State's defense, which had been a strength early in the season, faltered in the final stretch. The Buckeyes allowed over 400 yards of offense in each of their last three games, including 517 yards to Michigan and 499 yards to Georgia.

The defense struggled to generate pressure on the quarterback, recording only one sack against Michigan and none against Georgia. They also allowed several big plays in关键时刻, including a 75-yard touchdown pass from Corum to Donovan Edwards in the Michigan game and a 50-yard touchdown run by McIntosh in the Georgia game.

Offensive Inconsistency

Ohio State's offense, while explosive at times, also showed signs of inconsistency, particularly in the passing game. Stroud struggled with accuracy and decision-making, throwing six interceptions in the final four games of the season.

The Buckeyes also faced challenges in the running game, as star running back TreVeyon Henderson missed several games due to injury. His absence forced Ohio State to rely more heavily on Miyan Williams, who was less effective.

Lack of Depth

Ohio State's lack of depth in certain positions proved to be a hindrance in the later stages of the season. Injuries to key players, such as Henderson and safety Tanner McCalister, left the Buckeyes without adequate replacements.

The lack of depth was particularly evident on the defensive line, where Ohio State relied heavily on a small rotation of players. This led to fatigue and diminished effectiveness in the final games.

Conclusion

Ohio State Football's 2022 season was a tale of two halves. The Buckeyes entered the year with high expectations but ultimately fell short of their goals, ending the season with a disappointing loss in the College Football Playoff semifinal.

Several factors contributed to Ohio State's downfall, including defensive struggles, offensive inconsistency, and a lack of depth. These issues were exposed in the final stretch of the season, culminating in the heartbreaking loss to Georgia.

Ohio State's experience serves as a reminder that even the most talented teams can falter when faced with adversity. It also highlights the importance of addressing weaknesses and building a well-rounded roster that can withstand the rigors of a demanding season.

As Ohio State looks ahead to the 2023 season, they must learn from the lessons of the past and work to improve in all areas. With a talented roster and a proven coaching staff, the Buckeyes have the potential to bounce back and return to the pinnacle of college football.

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