Ohio State’s schedule spit out an inferior opponent almost weekly, and many of the wins tasted as flat as a can of soda that had been opened and forgotten in the back of the refrigerator.
An unbeaten season may never have been such an exercise in frustration, but the Buckeyes knew the chance to prove themselves worthy of their lofty status — unanimous No. 1 before the season and No. 3 now — would finally come against Michigan State.
It came Saturday, and the doubters had their day. Quarterback Connor Cook was unable to play, and Michigan State won anyway.