The College Football Playoff had a wild twist Wednesday night just before New Year's as the Big Ten's No.2-seeded Ohio State Buckeyes saw their season end abruptly to the Miami Hurricanes, 24-14.
The game's narrative will largely stem from coach Ryan Day, who was heavily scrutinized on social media after glaring holes were arguably exposed offensively when Day handled play-calling responsibilities instead of Brian Hartline.
"Ohio State needed everything they had to beat Michigan once in 5 years," Swanky Wolverine wrote. "There was nothing more important to Ryan Day. They emptied the tank & had nothing left for underdogs Indiana or Miami."
Quarterback Julian Sayin's numbers would largely agree with the lack of consistency.
Despite completing 22-of-35 passes for 297 yards and a touchdown, two back-breaking interceptions largely made the difference.
With the win for the Hurricanes, they advance to play the Ole Miss-Georgia winner, while the Buckeyes and Day wonder what could have been as they were chasing a repeat title bid.
The Big Ten can still win a national title. It will just be the Indiana Hoosiers or Oregon Ducks should it happen.
For now, though, Ohio State will have to get off the mat quickly next fall to avoid repeating the same trap again.
Only time will tell.