Cotton Bowl loss: Ohio State football faces offseason issues to fix

Ohio State's Cotton Bowl loss to Missouri has left the team with major questions at quarterback and a need for change.

Ohio State's 14-3 loss to Missouri in the Cotton Bowl was a tough pill to swallow, especially after the heartbreaking 42-41 loss to Georgia a year ago. The Buckeyes had played inspired football against the defending champion Bulldogs, and many believed that if a few plays had gone differently, they could have won the national championship.

Despite the painful loss, the Buckeyes entered 2023 with high hopes. They had two talented quarterbacks, Kyle McCord and Devin Brown, vying to succeed C.J. Stroud, and the offense was expected to continue its impressive performance. On the defensive side, Jim Knowles' unit had shown significant progress.

While the defense continued to shine, the offense struggled, averaging 14 fewer points per game than the previous year. McCord's performance was solid but not outstanding, and Brown's opportunity to prove himself in the Cotton Bowl was cut short due to an ankle injury.

The Buckeyes now face uncertainty at the quarterback position, with no clear candidate to take the reins. The offensive line also failed to meet expectations, further adding to the team's woes. The coaching staff is under scrutiny, and changes may be on the horizon.

As the Buckeyes look ahead to the 2024 season, they must address these pressing issues to regain their momentum and compete at the highest level. The team's future success depends on making the right decisions and overcoming the challenges they currently face.