There were no silver linings following Ohio State’s 17-14 loss to Michigan State Saturday.
First, quarterback Cardale Jones apparently announced that he will be moving on from Ohio State following this season, then star running back Ezekiel Elliott announced his intentions to turn pro, as well.
[nicelink url=”http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/7/71/1121499/cardale-jones-just-announce-hes-leaving-ohio-state”]
Ezekiel Elliott said he will not be returning to OSU next year.
— Bill Rabinowitz (@brdispatch) November 22, 2015
Elliott’s announcement comes as no surprise, considering he’ll likely be the most sought-after running back in April’s NFL draft, but it’s salt in the wound for Buckeyes fans who just witnessed their team’s first loss since September of 2014.
Elliott rushed for just 33 yards Saturday in the loss – his smallest rushing total since that September, 2014 loss to Virginia Tech. The junior had topped at least 100 yards in every game this season.
He was especially great during the postseason last year. In three games, Elliott rushed for nearly 700 yards and eight touchdowns.