Ezekiel Elliott blasted Ohio State’s play-calling after the 17-14 loss to Michigan State on Saturday that spoiled the Buckeyes’ undefeated season, and he had good reason for doing so.
The Buckeyes only had five first downs and 132 total yards in a brutal offensive performance against the Spartans. Their 85 rushing yards were their fewest since being held to 35 in a 2011 loss, also to the Spartans. They failed to have a rush of over 10 yards. Elliott rushed for just 33 yards on 12 carries, ruining a stretch of 15 straight 100-yard games.
Here’s what he had to say about the play-calling following the game:
Elliott: "We weren't put in position to win this game." Said he lobbied Meyer on sideline for calls and did not get them.
— Pat Forde (@YahooForde) November 22, 2015
Elliott: "I think I do deserve more than 11 carries. … I don't know what was going on."
— Pat Forde (@YahooForde) November 22, 2015
Perhaps the limited carries had to do with his health. Elliott was hospitalized during the week for a leg infection and said he didn’t think he was going to play.
Elliott confirmed he was hospitalized Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Didn't even think he was going to play.
— Tim Moody (@TimLMoody) November 22, 2015
Elliott apparently capped his feelings by announcing he would not return to school next year. It looks like he is headed to the pros where he will likely be a high pick. Perhaps he felt comfortable lashing out because he knew he would be leaving the program soon.
