The Ohio State football team is currently gearing up to face Missouri football in the Cotton Bowl. However, had the Buckeyes emerged victorious in their last regular-season matchup, their postseason scenario would have been markedly different. Heading into week 13 with an 11-0 record, Ohio State suffered a defeat against Michigan football for the third consecutive season. This loss prevented them from reaching the Big Ten title game and ultimately excluded them from the College Football Playoff.
The lingering impact of the final game against Michigan is evident within the Ohio State football team. The near-miss in that game, just a drive away from altering the entire season, continues to weigh heavily on their minds. Star cornerback Denzel Burke is particularly affected, suggesting that certain referee decisions may have influenced the outcome.
Expressing his thoughts on the Michigan game, Denzel Burke remarked, “I don’t know what the refs saw, but a lot of the calls that game didn’t go our way,” according to a tweet from Clayton Sayfie. What makes Burke’s claim intriguing is that Ohio State received only one penalty in the game, totaling a mere five yards. In contrast, the Wolverines were penalized three times for 34 yards.
One specific incident that may have fueled Burke’s perspective is the Roman Wilson touchdown. During the second quarter, Burke defended Wilson and believed he had intercepted the ball. However, Wilson had possession of the ball in the end zone, concluding the play. Despite a review, the call stood, leaving the Buckeyes dissatisfied.
While the overall penalty statistics suggest that the referees largely refrained from impacting the game, the conclusion of an outstanding matchup between two formidable teams marked the end of Ohio State’s perfect season in a challenging manner. As a result, Burke continues to dwell on the loss to some extent.
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