The Ohio State football team has heard the criticism since its 42-27 loss to Michigan at the end of November.
One narrative has been repeated more than any other in the three-plus weeks since that game: They’re soft. They aren’t physical. Michigan offensive coordinator Josh Gattis poured gasoline on that fire when he said Ohio State is “not a tough team” in a radio appearance just days after the Wolverines’ win.
The Buckeyes heard those comments, and at least some of them agree Michigan was the more physical team. Ohio State linebacker Steele Chambers said Gattis “was right,” because he “personally thought we played pretty soft.