Devin Brown tough luck Lincoln Kienholz tough task cloud Ohio State QB clarity Cotton Bowl

Ohio State's quarterback, Devin Brown, faced injury and uncertainty in the Cotton Bowl, leaving the program in a precarious position.

The Cotton Bowl was a big game for Ohio State football, and it was supposed to be a defining moment for Devin Brown. Unfortunately, things didn't go as planned. Brown's first career start was marred by injury, and he had to leave the game early. This was a huge blow for Ohio State, as they were hoping to gain some clarity on their quarterback situation for the upcoming season.

Brown came into the game with a compromised right ankle, and things only got worse when he twisted his left ankle late in the first quarter. This was a major setback for Brown, who had been hoping to make a statement in the quarterback competition. With Kyle McCord leaving for Syracuse, Brown was poised to take the lead in the next quarterback competition, but his injury has thrown things into disarray.

Now, Ohio State is left with more questions than answers at the quarterback position. Coach Ryan Day may have to turn to one of the veteran options still available in the transfer portal, which could have a ripple effect on the rest of the team. The defense proved itself to be a force to be reckoned with, but they can't afford to waste another season of brilliant defense on shaky quarterback play.

To make matters worse, Marvin Harrison Jr. was not available for the game, and he has opted out to protect his NFL Draft status. This means that the skill position lineup to begin the game could be the one Ohio State opens with next season, with Brown at quarterback, TreVeyon Henderson in the backfield, and Carnell Tate, Jayden Ballard, and Emeka Egbuka at receiver.

Brown struggled to find his rhythm in the game, and Missouri's defense put a lot of pressure on him. He was eventually forced out of the game, leaving true freshman Lincoln Kienholz to take over. Kienholz did his best, but it was clear that he was not fully prepared to face a top opponent like Missouri.

In the end, Ohio State's quarterback situation remains uncertain, and it will be up to Coach Day to figure out where the program turns next. Brown's injury has only complicated an already uncertain juncture for a program that prides itself on quarterback excellence.

Share With Others