In a stunning turn of events, the Ohio State Buckeyes faced a disappointing defeat in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic, scoring only three points against the Missouri Tigers. The loss came as a surprise to many, including Michigan defensive lineman Kris Jenkins, who had previously overcome Ohio State three times in the past three seasons.

Jenkins expressed his disbelief at the Buckeyes' performance, stating, "I'm a hater, but that ain't the team we played against on 25th of November. It wasn't sad. But dang, man. You feel me? Does that make sense? Your rival, y'all hate each other, but you want them to play good. But that was tough to watch."

The Buckeyes' roster was notably missing key players, including Heisman finalist Marvin Harrison Jr., linebacker Tommy Eichenberg, and safety Lathan Ransom. Additionally, they had to rely on their third-string quarterback, freshman Lincoln Kienholz, due to transfers and injuries. The Buckeyes' offense struggled throughout the game, finishing with a mere 203 total yards.

Jenkins recognized the absence of Harrison and acknowledged his talent, saying, "We rivals and all that, but that man's a beast. That man can play ball. So, I mean, if he ain't in..."

When questioned about the impact of players opting out of bowl games, Jenkins defended their decision, stating that teams should not be judged based on their performance in such circumstances. He emphasized that the team on the field was not the same as the one seen throughout the regular season, making it unfair to critique their performance.

Looking ahead, as the college football playoff expands to 12 teams next season, Jenkins expressed his belief that star players with high NFL draft projections would be less likely to opt out of crucial games in the playoff bracket. With the potential for a 16-game schedule, Jenkins suggested that teams with a chance to win it all would retain players who may be considering their future in the NFL or transfer portal.

"If there are 12 teams in, I don't think so," said Jenkins. "[16 potential games] is a lot of football, but... I feel like if teams have the opportunity to go all the way in college, they're gonna be full."

As the college football landscape evolves, questions will continue to arise regarding the importance of bowl game performances, player opt-outs, and the impact of an expanded playoff format. The shocking loss experienced by the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sport and the various factors that can influence outcomes on the field.