We aren’t where we wanted to be as Buckeye fans, but there is still plenty to be excited about heading into the Cotton Bowl matchup against Missouri.
Here are a few names to keep an eye out for on December 30th.
QB, Devin Brown
Not to point out the obvious, but I’m very excited to see what Devin Brown is made of. It seems I’m not the only one excited about it, as Buckeye players and coaches have been giving high praise to Brown during media sessions leading up to their Bowl game.
With McCord out of the picture and no real buzz around transfer portal guys, this is Devin Browns job to win and it starts with his performance against a very good Missouri team.
Brown, known to be a bit more mobile than McCord, will add a different threat to the Buckeye offense. I expect a healthy dose of RPO and maybe a few designed QB runs to keep Missouri on their toes.
It’s worth noting that he will likely be without Marvin Harrison, so comparing McCord to Brown might be a bit unfair. I expect mistakes to be made and it won’t be perfect, but I think Brown will be a breath of fresh air under center.
WR, Carnell Tate
The Buckeyes receiving core has had a “Next man up” mentality for several years now. From Olave and Wilson to JSN to MHJ and so on.
Tate could be the next guy to shine for the buckeyes. He’s received very high praise from guys like Marvin Harrison Jr and Denzel Burke and he showed signs of greatness throughout the 2023 season.
With Emeka Egbuka still on the fence on coming back and MHJ unlikely to suit up, I expect Tate to have a heavy role and show out.
I remember a young Marv dominating a bowl game against Utah after Olave and Wilson left for the NFL. Would love for that to repeat with Tate.
RB, Dallan Hayden
Hayden is yet another guy that has been waiting for his chance. Every time he’s seen the field for the buckeyes, he’s produced and shown that he’s an elite running back.
Big Play Trey is still undecided on his future, but if he decides to leave for the league, Hayden will do an amazing job of taking over that backfield and filling the explosive shoes of Henderson.
With Miyan Williams declaring for the draft and Chip Trayanum in the portal, I hope we get to see Hayden’s number called quite a bit in the Cotton Bowl.
Head Coach, Ryan Day
I know, I know. Not a player. But I think this is a critical game for Ryan Day. He wasn’t able to get that monkey off his back this year and patience is running thin for Buckeye fans.
We’ve seen Day respond very well after losses in the past, but how will he respond with a brand new QB, no Marv (would be shocked if he plays), and several players already gone in the portal?
He also faces a very unique situation… if Brown steps in and plays very well then you will have a lot of people wondering how McCord got the nod over Brown.
Will Buckeye fans be excited if Brown looks great? Absolutely. Will we all be scratching our head a bit as well? Most likely.
Wrapping Up
Have I been more excited for post season football? Absolutely. The standard is so high and this felt like a team that could go beat anybody, any day. So it’s disappointing to not be a part of the big games.
However, I’m still excited. Some new guys getting their shot and a chance to watch some guys play in their last game as Buckeyes.
Hoping we come out with our hair on fire and bring home a Big10 vs SEC win.
Till next time,
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