As an Ohio State fanbase continues to be one of the most dedicated and passionate in the world of college sports, the road to success for the Buckeyes has not always been a smooth one. Despite their dominance in college football and their place as one of the sport’s most iconic programs, the recent years have provided a mix of both triumph and heartbreak for the fans. These moments of disappointment have, at times, created an emotional rollercoaster for those who loyally support the team. Here are some key factors contributing to the frustration and bad news for Buckeye fans, from unfulfilled expectations to heartbreaking losses.
1. Disappointment in the College Football Playoff
Ohio State’s expectations are always high, but with those lofty ambitions come the crushing disappointments when the team fails to live up to them. The College Football Playoff (CFP) has been a source of frustration for Buckeye fans over the past few seasons. After their national championship win in 2014, the team has found itself falling short in several critical moments, despite dominating the regular season and holding a top-ranking.
For example, in 2021, after a promising season, the Buckeyes were eliminated from playoff contention after an unexpected loss to Michigan, a rival that had long struggled against Ohio State. This loss ended the team’s hopes for a national title and was a bitter pill for Buckeye fans to swallow. The rivalry between Ohio State and Michigan is one of the most significant in college football, and losing to the Wolverines stings more than almost any other defeat.
2. The Pain of Losing to Michigan
The rivalry with Michigan is a massive part of Ohio State’s identity. It’s a game that fans circle on their calendars every year, and when the Buckeyes lose, it feels as if the entire season is a failure, regardless of their performance in other games. In recent years, Michigan’s resurgence under head coach Jim Harbaugh has led to an increased sense of vulnerability for Ohio State fans. The Buckeyes’ dominance in this rivalry had been nearly unchallenged for over a decade, but things have shifted in recent seasons.
In 2021, Ohio State had a chance to secure a berth in the CFP but suffered a crushing defeat in the “Game” to Michigan, snapping an eight-year win streak over their biggest rival. That loss, in many ways, symbolized a turning point where the power balance in the rivalry was in flux. Michigan’s first win over Ohio State in 10 years sent shockwaves through the fanbase and cast doubt on Ohio State’s ability to maintain their dominance in the rivalry.
In 2022, Michigan defeated Ohio State again, this time in the Horseshoe, further adding salt to the wound for Buckeye fans. With Harbaugh’s team not only winning but doing so in Ohio Stadium, a historic venue that has been a fortress for the Buckeyes, it was a hard pill for fans to swallow. Such losses bring about a deep sense of embarrassment and frustration, and for Ohio State fans, losing to Michigan has become one of the most significant sources of bad news in recent years.
3. The Inconsistent Quarterback Play
Quarterback play is often the most discussed aspect of a college football team’s success, and for Ohio State, the inconsistency at the quarterback position has been another point of frustration. Although the team has recruited some of the best quarterbacks in the nation, there have been moments where those quarterbacks fail to meet expectations or struggle in big games.
Justin Fields was a great leader for Ohio State, guiding the Buckeyes to a national title game appearance in 2020, but after his departure, the team has faced challenges with the quarterback position. C.J. Stroud, a highly touted prospect, struggled at times to win big games, especially in the loss to Michigan in 2021, where his performance left fans asking for more.
The inability to secure consistent, high-level quarterback play has haunted Ohio State during the past couple of seasons, and fans have grown frustrated with the lack of a true “game-changer” under center. Despite talent at the receiver and running back positions, the Buckeyes’ offense has sometimes lacked the firepower to win critical games because of issues at quarterback.
4. Defensive Struggles
Ohio State’s defense has also been a source of consternation for fans. Historically known for producing fierce defenses, in recent years, the Buckeyes have been plagued by defensive inconsistency. Despite recruiting top-tier talent on the defensive side of the ball, the Buckeyes have failed to play up to their potential, especially in key games.
One glaring example came in the 2021 season when Ohio State was torched by Oregon and Michigan in regular-season losses. The defense struggled to stop the run, and there was a lack of execution in critical moments. Buckeye fans expect a high level of play from their team, and the defensive lapses in these big games left many fans frustrated and disillusioned with the team’s ability to compete at the highest level.
5. Pressure and Expectations
One of the biggest challenges for Ohio State fans is the intense pressure to win. As one of the most storied programs in college football, there is an inherent expectation that the Buckeyes will not only compete for championships but will win them regularly. While many programs would be satisfied with regular 10-win seasons and a trip to a New Year’s Six bowl, the pressure in Columbus is immense, and any loss feels like a failure.
This level of expectation can create a sense of burnout for both fans and players alike. A single loss can tarnish an entire season, and with the high-profile nature of the program, any slip-up becomes magnified. The constant pressure to perform at the highest level can make the lows feel much more crushing, and for Buckeye fans, it seems that nothing short of a national championship is ever truly enough.
6. The Coaching Carousel and Lack of Stability
Another point of frustration for Ohio State fans has been the question of coaching stability. While Ryan Day has had undeniable success as the head coach of Ohio State, some fans have questioned his ability to win big games. Day has experienced criticism for his team’s lack of success in key moments, especially in rivalry games and the College Football Playoff. The pressure on Day to deliver a national title has increased with each passing season, and every loss or near-loss has intensified calls for change.
This pressure and scrutiny on the coaching staff contribute to a feeling of instability, even in a program that has had consistent success under Day’s leadership. The constant calls for change can add to the frustration of the fanbase, especially when the team is expected to be competing for championships
In conclusion, while Ohio State remains one of the premier programs in college football, there are many sources of frustration and disappointment for its fans. From heartbreaking losses in key games to questions about the team’s quarterback play and defense, Buckeye fans have experienced their fair share of bad news in recent years. The high expectations placed on the team only amplify the sting of these losses, making any setback feel particularly devastating. As the rivalry with Michigan continues to shift, and the pressure to win a national title only intensifies, Ohio State fans will undoubtedly face more challenges ahead,
making each victory all the more important.
