Ohio State Displayed A Pathetic Performance In The Fiesta Bowl

By Ric McElroy | Dec 31, 2016

December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback J.T. Barrett (16) scrambles under pressure from Clemson Tigers defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) during the second half of the the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

The Voice of the Fan was not pleased with how Ohio State played tonight, as they once again came up short versus Clemson.

First and foremost, Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer needs a new place kicker. Tyler Durbin has missed four of his last five field goals including two versus that team up north to end the regular season.

Clemson on the other hand had some trouble with the Buckeyes’ defense, but Greg Huegel did kick a 45 yard field goal in the first quarter. Following that score, quarterback Deshaun Watson added to the score with a one yard touchdown run.

Ohio State’s offense just could not find any rhythm as Clemson’s defense had its way with the Buckeyes’ offensive line. Quarterback J.T. Barrett also had usual trouble passing the ball. The Buckeyes may have worked on it for the five weeks prior to the Fiesta Bowl, but it did not show up in the game!

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The Tigers also scored a touchdown on a 30 yard strike from Watson to running back C.J. Fuller. Ohio State’s secondary and defensive line did not make many plays. Then again, they were on the field a lot due to the ineptness of their offense.

Clemson was on the move again just before half but Ohio State’s defense held and as a result, the Tigers punted. The game was already getting out of hand at halftime with Clemson leading 17-0.

The Buckeyes had a total of 90 yards of total offense compared to the Tigers’ 245 in the entire half! The Tigers got the ball to start the second half and the defense held again to force a punt.

As great as that was, on the second play of the following drive for Ohio State’s offense, running back Mike Weber fumbled. Clemson was held inside the Buckeyes’ five and forced another field goal that’s missed on a weird play.

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Ohio State’s receivers could not get off bump coverage. Their route running left a lot to be desired.
The Buckeyes had so many three and outs that after a while I lost track of the number!

Watson eventually scored again on a seven yard run with ease, untouched increasing the lead to 24-0 with two minutes and six seconds left in the third. Two pass interference penalties later and the Bucks started to threaten, but Barrett over threw his receiver again. As a result, Clemson got picked off the Buckeyes’ signal caller at the Tigers’ four!

Ohio State’s defense played as hard as they could be expected. Yet, their offense did not do anything to speak of. I would have considered sitting Barrett earlier on in the game as his inaccuracy on his passes cost the Buckeyes. That said, his receivers did not help him either.

H-Back Curtis Samuel did break a long run ending up in Clemson’s red zone. Unfortunately, before we knew it, the next thing you knew it was third and 17. Barrett then got sacked again resulting in a forth and 27 situation. Barrett ultimately threw it up for grabs, but it was intercepted and ran back to the Buckeyes’ eight.

Following the pick, running back Wayne Gallman walked into the end zone from seven yards out to increase the lead and eventual final score to 31-0. The Ohio State offense should be ashamed of their lackluster and let’s face it, terrible performance!

Watson tonight was 23/36 for 259 yards and three touchdowns. Even with after getting relieved before the game was over, Ohio State’s defense still let Clemson’s second string offense drive down the field. Words cannot express the frustration I and I know you were feeling and expressing.

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Meyer, defensive coordinator Greg Schiano and the rest of the coaches have a lot of work to do in the offseason! Tonight was an embarrassment and for the first time Meyer was shut out in a game in his career as a head coach.

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