Former Ohio State players sharply criticized the program and head coach Ryan Day following the Buckeyes' 41-28 home loss to Oregon on Saturday, a defeat that severely damages their College Football Playoff hopes. The loss marked Day's fifth in his last 11 games dating back to last season and his third loss in a single season for the first time in his eight-year tenure.
Former defensive lineman Tommy Schutt, who had not posted on social media in six years, called for a "CLEAN HOUSE" after what he described as an "embarrassing" performance at Ohio Stadium. Former All-Big Ten wide receiver Curtis Samuel, posting for the first time in three years, wrote that the team "can't allow a team to come in the shoe and be the bully" and questioned the lack of usage for five-star freshman Legend Bey.
Ex-Ohio State standout Beanie Wells, who rushed for 3,382 yards and 30 touchdowns from 2006-2008, delivered a detailed critique on CBS Sports HQ. Wells pointed to defensive issues dating back to the Indiana game, citing "explosive plays and inability to get to the passer on a consistent basis." He said those problems were masked by a narrow win over Indiana but are now exposed on a national stage. "Ohio State is revealing who they've always been," Wells said.
Oregon scored 38 unanswered points after trailing 14-0 early, prompting many Ohio State fans to leave the stadium before the fourth quarter ended. The Buckeyes, ranked No. 12 in the initial CFP Top 25, fell to No. 20 in the Sunday coaches poll and are expected to drop further in Tuesday's updated rankings.
"We didn't expect any of this to happen," Day said after the game. "I thought the way that we came out was how we thought we would play in this game. And then once the momentum swung, we weren't able to stop that and then swing it back."
