it's taboo for players and coaches to dwell on excuses but we've no lack of them to discuss as fans. Here's my list:

covid casualties
half as much game experience during the season as opponent
lost 1st string running back first play
played with an injured qb

That's a pretty unusual and impressive list.
I'm sure there are other more conventional factors.
And it doesn't mean we'd have won otherwise.
I'm just saying, for recruiting and prestige and wounded pride purposes, it saves us face somewhat.

Follow Ups:

• No excuses from my but a wish list ... a Clemson performance from Justin, Trey for the whole game and Togai and Smith - JerseyBuck [11:41:21 01/13/21]
• I guess I didn't make my point clearly enough. We were hobbled in an extraordinary way. We should bear that mind. * - escargray [10:27:11 01/13/21]
• Ohio State got smacked in the mouth. Congrats to Bama. They are ahead of every other program. * - buckeyecurt [09:57:47 01/13/21]
  • Yeah, I didn't like that they owned the LOS on both sides, right after we dominated it vs. Clemson * - TwinsBuck [10:04:39 01/13/21]
    • Togiai would have helped with that, although not enough to materially matter. * - Mr.C [10:05:29 01/13/21]
• I'd prefer not to behave as Florida and Michigan coaches or the PSU fan base. * - Smartwater [09:55:50 01/13/21]
• Stop...time to admit we aren’t close ...could’nt stop their backups...D scheme was juvenile * - the Displaced Buckeye [09:49:33 01/13/21]
  • You got a mouse in your pocket? * - DaytonBuck [09:51:07 01/13/21]
    • Of course, don’t WE all? * - the Displaced Buckeye [09:52:49 01/13/21]
      • I'm not an MSU fan, so I never go their board and say "we". * - DaytonBuck [09:55:20 01/13/21]
        • Me either, but nice try... * - the Displaced Buckeye [11:01:20 01/13/21]
• With TT, Smith and Sermon...I say it's closer to 7-10 point spread. - DaytonBuck [09:45:08 01/13/21]