J.T. Tuimoloau spoke up when Ohio State was down

IMG_7408by:Andy Backstrom•12/14/22•

andybackstrom

On3 image
Ohio State sophomore defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau picked the Buckeyes up when they were down after their loss to Michigan in the regular season finale. (Matt Parker/Lettermen Row)

A few days after Ohio State lost to Michigan for the second year in a row, and at home for the first time since 2000, sophomore defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau knew something had to be said. After 365 days of build-up to The Game, the Buckeyes — who completely revamped their defense and rebranded their "toughness" for the Big Ten East showdown — were smacked by "The Team Up North," 45-23. Having dropped three spots to No. 5 in the CFP rankings, they needed help for a shot at the Playoff. Ohio State wasn't in the Big Ten Championship, and it had lost control of its destiny.