It may take a while before Ohio State Buckeyes fans get over the team’s loss to the Clemson Tigers in Saturday’s 2019 Fiesta Bowl. Sadness and disappointment are the dominant feelings in Buckeye Nation right now.
Ohio St. Buckeyes got robbed! OSU vs. Clemson Fiesta Bowl Referees made 2 bad controversial calls both led to touchdowns were called back! ESPN sports announcer also questioned refs two bad decisions.Those 12 + points cost them the game! OSU score would have been 36+ Clemson 29. pic.twitter.com/e65bt8TQ8a
— Legion to one (@to_legion) December 29, 2019
A lot of people think that the team would have won if it were not for the divisive officiating calls that went against them.
Fans are now asking for the termination of refs officiating in the match.
And regardless of outcome, I believe the overturned catch/fumble in the Fiesta Bowl was a biased and agenda based decision. At the very least on a subconscious level. The @NCAA needs a command center making decisions in games like the CFB semifinals.
— Adam Fenstermacher (@amfenstermacher) December 31, 2019
The Ohio faithful showed their frustration, one fan posted on Twitter, "This might be the worst officiating decision in #CFBPlayoff history. There is no way that's not a catch. OSU is being robbed of this game."
This might be the worst officiating decision in #CFBPlayoff history. There is no way that's not a catch. OSU is being robbed of this game. #OSUvsCLEM #FiestaBowl https://t.co/Yt99csbylw
— Mark Cochran (@MARKYMARKBRAND) December 29, 2019
Head coach Ryan Day himself acknowledged that anger is one way to describe what they felt after the Buckeyes’ season-ending loss to the Clemson Tigers.
He said that Ohio State’s football program is currently reviewing the film to see if there are complaints that they can build on.
Thousands of Thousands of Thousands, believe Ohio State Buckeyes were robbed out of a win against Clemson in the Fiesta Bowl! Did the refs unveil their bias against OSU calling back 2 important TDs? wanting undefeated Clemson to compete in another championship showdown with SEC? pic.twitter.com/2lWobcCF3T
— Legion to one (@to_legion) December 30, 2019
What Ohio State Buckeyes face in 2020
Expectations are high for the Buckeyes after its excellent performance in the 2019 football season. With Jeff Hafley and Mike Yurcich bolting from Ohio State for Boston College and Texas respectively, Ryan Day will have to look for skilled coaches and coordinators for the Buckeyes next season.
Both coaching staff members were instrumental in the improvement seen in the team’s gameplay. Whoever will be chosen to replace them will have huge shoes to fill.
The refs were just awful! Ohio State Buckeyes should have won that game. All referees need to be from a conference that is not playing in that game. Sick of SEC!
— Phyliss Dixon (@pdelcecatodixon) December 29, 2019
Another issue that might come up for the Buckeyes is the fact that three of their strongest wide receivers just graduated. Austin Mack, Binjimen Victor, and K.J. Hill will be leaving a huge gap in the receiver corps. Thankfully, wide receivers coach Brian Hartline has amazing talents to work within Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson, and Jameson Williams.
Urban is still a coach here. You can tell he was emotionally invested in this game as a coach, not a Tv analyst. He even says “we” then catches himself and changes it to “Ohio State.” #Buckeyes. https://t.co/wWCPhxvilY
— Raquel (@RaqM0110) December 29, 2019
J.K. Dobbins to enter 2020 NFL Draft
The past few days have been tough for the Buckeyes after running back J.K. Dobbins confirmed he will be joining the NFL Draft. Dobbins, considered as one of the Buckeyes’ top stars, announced the news on his Twitter account. In the tweet, he thanked Buckeye Nation for the support and love that he has received in the past three years. He will be forgoing his senior year in college for the football draft.
The running back had an impressive stint in Ohio State.
In the recently concluded Fiesta Bowl, he achieved the university’s single-season rushing record. He also became the second player in all-time Buckeye history to ever rush for 1,000 yards for every season.
Buckeyes lands tight end Sam Hart
Despite all the bad news, there is still a bright spot for Scarlet and Gray after tight end Sam Hart commits to the team’s 2021 class. Hart is now the seventh person to make a commitment to Ohio State’s 2021 recruiting class. Hailing from Aurora, Colorado, he is the no. 22 tight end in 247Sports rankings. Let us know what you think about Ohio State Buckeyes' controversial defeat, put your comment in the comment section. Stay tuned for more football news and updates.