Ohio State lost a heartbreaker to Oregon in Eugene on Saturday night, as the Buckeyes fell to the Ducks, 32-31, in a matchup of top three teams at Autzen Stadium.
The Buckeyes lost due to several reasons. Ohio State’s defense couldn’t stop the big plays from Dillon Gabriel and the Ducks’ passing attack; the Buckeyes had a big fumble loss and couldn’t handle an onside kick attempt; freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith had a crushing offensive pass interference penalty; Will Howard slid too late on the game’s final play.
One Ohio State football player cited another reason, though: God.
Buckeyes running back Rashid SeSay told The Walk podcast that he believes Saturday night’s loss was a result of God putting an obstacle in the way of Ryan Day’s team.
“I truly believe that this is just God giving us this obstacle, to make this team even better and stronger,” he said.
“I think this loss happened for a reason and we’re going to come back bigger and better than ever. Our faith is going to be even stronger in Christ. What’s going on with this team, it’s too special to just lay it down after one game. I think we’re going to bounce back from this and we’re going to come back and we’re going to go for a run. I think everyone knows that in the building.”
Ohio State’s mindset after losing to Oregon🙌
Full episode with OSU Running Back Rashid SeSay: https://t.co/ri1UdTv9P3 pic.twitter.com/T1Kaer7oHU
— thewalk (@accessthewalk) October 16, 2024
Ohio State’s football players have been very vocal about their faith this year. Several Ohio State football players participated in a huge Christian baptism back in August, according to the student newspaper, The Lantern.
Running back TreVeyon Henderson, defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau and wide receiver Emeka Egbuka were among those who helped lead the ceremony, which included close to 1,000 people.
Ohio State is off this week but the Buckeyes are set to return to play on Oct. 26 against Nebraska.