Ohio State’s disappointing end to the 2023 season continued on Friday, as the Buckeyes fell to Missouri, 14–3, in the Cotton Bowl. The team ends the year with an 11–2 record, but with losses in arguably its two most important games.
As the Buckeyes struggled to score throughout the game against the Tigers, Ohio State fans grew even more frustrated with head coach Ryan Day. That included former Buckeyes running back Maurice Clarett, who went through the gamut of emotions watching the game.
Clarett began the night with an ultimatum that Ohio State “can’t lose to Missouri,” and as he watched his team struggle so much offensively, his mood clearly soured.
We can’t lose to Missouri…. Just getting this out the way early. I don’t care how many backups we got playing. We can’t lose…. Just saying. Let me put this out there. 😂😂
— Maurice Clarett (@ReeseClarett13) December 29, 2023
I’ve started and erased 5 tweets…. I’ve changed 😂😂
— Maurice Clarett (@ReeseClarett13) December 30, 2023
This is wild… this feels like “trading places”
— Maurice Clarett (@ReeseClarett13) December 30, 2023
We’ve been having top 3 recruiting classes since I can remember…. Mannnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn….. come on man. 3pts
— Maurice Clarett (@ReeseClarett13) December 30, 2023
I wonder if any coaches entered the portal.
— Maurice Clarett (@ReeseClarett13) December 30, 2023
Clarett’s anger was a continuation of his feelings from Ohio State’s loss to Michigan, when the Buckeyes great turned on Day midway through the game. Clarett gave a voice to many Ohio State fans who are used to competing for national championships.
Although Day now boasts a 56-8 record as head coach of Ohio State, he has lost his past three matchups against Michigan and hasn’t won the Big Ten since 2020.
