Former Ohio State Star Running Back Maurice Clarett Has Message Of Hope For Buckeye Fans

Former Ohio State star running back Maurice Clarett recently sat down with TMZ, where he expounded on the Buckeyes' potential national championship run, despite their devastating loss to Michigan.

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We talked to the great Maurice Clarett about Michigan vs. Ohio State, the future of Buckeyes HC Ryan Day (did OSU make the right move keeping him?), and whether @ReeseClarett13 believes the season is lost after losing to the Wolverines!
Also, would Clarett ever go into coaching? pic.twitter.com/Cm4SihUnTY

— TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) December 6, 2024

"I'm not the person to cry over one moment when you have a bunch of other things in front of you," Clarett said. "We still have the playoffs coming up. Chances are we'll play here either December 21 or 22, and we have a handful of games."

"There is still a season to play. That's where my focus is at, and I think that's where the young guys and the team should be at."

Certainly, the Ohio State/Michigan rivalry is what both teams have circled on their calendar every year, so either way the losing fans are going to be depressed.

(2002) Maurice Clarett runs for 175 yards and 3 touchdowns in his collegiate debut, including his first big play as a Buckeye.pic.twitter.com/lWM1lCnUWb

— Buckeyes in the NFL (@LetsGoBuckeyes) July 25, 2022

That is to say, OSU head coach Ryan Day appears to be on the hot seat because of this, as he has now lost the "The Game" four years in a row.

Although, Clarett says that all the blame shouldn't fall on the coach's shoulders, especially considering the success Day has had with a 66-10 record over the course of his tenure.

"It's just not the coach," Clarett said about the loss to Michigan. "It's the players who have to execute. You can't have two turnovers, one coming out of the end zone within the 10 and then going in within the 10. You can't have those, you can't have two missed field goals... He [Day] has some to blame, but he's not the only thing to blame, you lose as a team."

Nevertheless, as Clarett pointed out, luckily with the new College Football Playoffs, a loss still gives Ohio State (10-2) a chance at winning a title, which may give Day a chance to save his job.

📽 #ChampionshipMoments 2002
OHIO STATE 31 | MIAMI 24

Maurice Clarett steals the ball back from Sean Taylor after the INT pic.twitter.com/1GaoybxOE9

— Pick Six Previews (@PickSixPreviews) January 7, 2019

Clarett knows all about second chances as the former NCAA star had his run-ins with the law during his playing days, but before serving a three-year prison sentence on robbery charges, he was able to lead Ohio State to a national championship (vs. Miami 31-24) in his only collegiate season.

In his breakout 2002 Freshman season, Clarett rushed for 1,237 yards (5.6 yards per carry) and contributed 18 total touchdowns.

The 2024 season has been slightly disappointing, as the Buckeyes' other loss came against No. 1 Oregon (Ohio State lost 32-31), which is a team they may have a chance to rematch against in the playoffs.

Related: What Happened To Maurice Clarett And Where Is He Now?