COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio State Buckeyes lost at the Horseshoe on Saturday for the first time since 2017 as the team welcomed fans back for the first time this year.
What You Need To Know
- Oregon beat Ohio State 35-28 in the Buckeyes home opener
- The Buckeyes let up 269 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns
- Defensive coordinator Kerry Coombs said he is taking the blame for the defensive performance
- Quarterback C.J. Stroud said he and other leaders need to step up to keep the team focused
The No. 3 Buckeyes were never able to take the lead, eventually falling to the No. 12 Oregon Ducks 35-28 in OSU's home opener.
The Bucks struggling defensively, allowing 269 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns.
Defensive coordinator Kerry Coombs said he takes the blame for the defensive performance.
“I’m disappointed," Coombs said. "That’s how I feel. I hate losing. I hate it with a passion. You don’t come to Ohio State to get beat. You don’t come to Ohio State to get beat in the 'Shoe.'
And while fans did their best to help, head coach Ryan Day said it just wasn’t enough.
The opposing offenses needed more balance, Day said.
“We want balance and we don’t have balance on the sheet," Day said. "We have 484 yards passing and 128 yards rushing. That’s not balanced. And when we’re not balanced we’re out of whack.”
While many Ohio State fans are upset with the loss, players are making sure things turn around next week.
Freshman quarterback C.J. Stroud set a freshman record for passing yards Saturday.
However, Stroud said he along with other Buckeye leaders will need to step up to make sure the team turns a corner.
“We’re going to stick together. We’re not going to point fingers," Stroud said. "It starts on my behalf to lead the team as a quarterback, so definitely, I will do my part to get us back to where we need to be.”