ATLANTA (AP) — A couple of month later, Ohio State gamers nonetheless can’t appear to shake their one lack of the season.
Though they’re enjoying for a shot on the nationwide championship within the Peach Bowl’s Faculty Soccer Playoff semifinal towards No. 1 Georgia on Saturday, Ohio State gamers haven’t moved previous their 45-23 loss to rival Michigan on Nov. 26.
The fourth-ranked Buckeyes say the loss has left them solid because the underdogs towards Georgia, the defending nationwide champion. Ohio State has misplaced to Michigan in back-to-back seasons, and clearly final month’s ugly defeat left a mark with gamers.
“We really feel prefer it’s at all times been Ohio towards the world,” defensive finish Jack Sawyer stated Wednesday. “We really feel like that’s by no means going to alter. So all through this complete month of bowl prep, our protection has been enjoying very (indignant) in apply, I feel the entire group as a complete has been. And I feel that’s the place we have to be. And like I stated, we’re simply actually centered and actually desperate to get again on the sphere Saturday night time.”
Sawyer and two defensive teammates, linebacker Tommy Eichenberg and security Lathan Ransom, every gave one-word “yeah” solutions when requested in the event that they’re bored with speaking about Michigan. Eichenberg was requested if the Georgia offense reminded him of any Large Ten group.
“Most likely wouldn’t say anybody actually,” Eichenberg stated. “You in all probability need me to say some group, however I’m not gonna.”
After Sawyer famous Georgia has sturdy tight ends, like Penn State, Ransom took his flip answering the query.
“Yeah. I really feel like y’all know the reply to that, however I’m fixing to simply say Penn State, too,” Ransom stated with fun.
Protection was a power earlier than Ohio State (11-1) allowed 530 yards within the loss.
“It’s undoubtedly made this group tighter,” Eichenberg stated. “We had been down for a bit of bit, after which all of us got here again collectively and we received stronger. We now have one another, and that’s all we’d like.”
PRO EXPOSURE
TCU quarterback and Heisman Trophy runner-up Max Duggan has already stated he’ll make himself accessible for the NFL draft after the Horned Frogs’ Faculty Soccer Playoff run.
Because of his journey to Arizona for the Fiesta Bowl, he’s lastly seen an precise NFL recreation.
The Frogs arrived in Arizona on Dec. 24 to arrange for his or her Faculty Soccer Playoff semifinal recreation towards Michigan and went as a group to look at Tampa Bay play the Cardinals on Christmas Day in Glendale, Arizona.
Seven-time Tremendous Bowl winner Tom Brady led the Bucs to a comeback 19-16 win in extra time. The 45-year-old quarterback accomplished all six of his passes within the additional interval.
“It was surreal to see one of many greats, all-time legends, play in individual, see what he’s in a position to do,” Duggan stated.
It is perhaps stunning that an aspiring NFL quarterback had by no means been to an NFL recreation, however Duggan grew up in Council Bluffs, Iowa, which is a few three-hour drive from the closest NFL stadium in Kansas Metropolis.
“In highschool, we practiced or had movie on Sundays so I used to be by no means in a position to go,” Duggan stated. “After which in school we apply on Sundays. Normally have night time courses on Monday nights, so was by no means in a position to catch any video games.”
CAPTAIN CHAOS
Michigan’s within the odd spot of dropping two of its 5 group captains earlier than it enters its most vital recreation of the season.
Quarterback Cade McNamara and tight finish Erick All elected to switch over the previous few weeks, committing to play for Iowa subsequent season. McNamara misplaced his beginning job to J.J. McCarthy early within the season and All has battled accidents all 12 months.
Wolverines defensive lineman Mazi Smith stated dropping his associates damage, however there have been no onerous emotions.
“If any individual seems like there’s a state of affairs that’s higher for them, you may’t inform them in any other case,” Smith stated. “I simply hope it really works out for the most effective for them. These are my brothers. We got here in as early enrollees collectively. We performed and labored onerous, went by way of some onerous occasions collectively.”
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AP Sports activities Author David Brandt in Scottsdale, Arizona, contributed to this report.
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