Defense Dominant, But Offense Sputters As Buckeyes Hold Slim Halftime Lead vs. Mizzou

The Ohio State Buckeyes could be in trouble at the Cotton Bowl after one half of play

Matt Galatzan | Dec 29, 2023

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Ohio State Buckeyes

The Ohio State Buckeyes came to the Cotton Bowl to take on the Missouri Tigers in Arlington looking to end the season with some momentum.

And despite leading 3-0 after one half of play, however, they appear to be in serious trouble.

Things weren't right from the start for the Buckeyes offense, with new starter Devin Brown struggling out of the gate to get into a rhythm. Brown was able to complete a couple of passes after a three-and-out on the first possession, but the offense was never able to get a real drive going.

Then, things got even worse, with Brown - who was already hobbled with an early lower body injury - being knocked out of the game after a sack on a third down. Brown was 4 of 6 for 20 yards at the time of the injury.

True freshman backup Lincoln Kienholz attempted to replace Brown on the next two drives, but once again, the Buckeyes offense continued to sputter.

In fact, as a team offensively, the Buckeyes have managed 76 total yards of offense, 44 of which have come on 13 carries from TreVeyon Henderson.

Lincoln Kienholz In After Devin Brown Exits with Injury

It is unknown if Brown will return in the second half.

Fortunately for Ohio State, the defense has shown up thus far, holding a usually explosive Missouri offense in check with just 112 total yards of their own.

That said, even if Brown is unable to return, things are not looking good for the Buckeyes the rest of the way.

Ohio State will kickoff to start the second half after receiving the opening kick.

Published Dec 29, 2023

MATT GALATZAN

Matt Galatzan is the Publisher of LonghornsCountry.com, AllAggies.com, and the Managing Editor of BuckeyesNow.com and TheGroveReport.com He is also the Editor-In-Chief of RamDigest.com and TexansDaily.com. Galatzan graduated from the University of Mississippi, where he studied integrated marketing communications, with minors in journalism and business administration. Galatzan started in the sports journalism industry under Mike Fisher at DallasBasketball.com in 2014, which at the time was part of the 247Sports network. He also spent two years covering the SMU Mustangs for PonyStampede.com on the 247Sports network. When DallasBasketball.com and CowboysCountry.com moved over to Sports Illustrated's Fan Nation network in 2020, Galatzan followed suit, eventually being taking over as the Managing Editor and Publisher of LonghornsCountry.com and AllAggies.com a year later. Through the years, Galatzan has conducted a handful of high-profile one-on-one interviews to add to his resume — in both writing and podcasting. Some of his biggest interviews have been with Mavs owner Mark Cuban, former Longhorns players Dan Neil and Phil Dawson, and many other recruits, and current/former players for each of the teams he has covered. Galatzan is also a full-time employee in the digital media department for Audacy and KRLD FM's 105.3 The Fan in Dallas, which is the official radio home of the Dallas Cowboys. You can find Galatzan on all major social media channels, including Twitter on @MattGalatzan For any inquiries, please email matt.galatzan@gmail.com