The Ohio State football program was severely affected by the Connor Stalions cheating scandal. Stalions' illegal sign-stealing operation puts an asterisk on both the 2022 and 2023 games against the Buckeyes. We are still awaiting the penalties from the NCAA.
During Stalions' scheme, he was seen standing on Central Michigan's sideline before a game against Michigan State as he was attempting to steal signs from the Spartans. Jim McElwain feigned ignorance as to why he was on the sidelines, but the NCAA isn't buying it.
In fact, the NCAA has now decided that they will be punishing Central Michigan for allowing Stalions to even be on the sidelines.