COLUMBUS, Ohio — Try as they might, the horns and the percussionists from Ohio State's famous marching band couldn't drown out the boos as the third quarter drew to a close on Saturday afternoon.
Clinging to an increasingly fraught five-point lead, the Buckeyes' offense had just gone three-and-out for the third time in a span of four possessions, with the only reprieve coming in the form of a gobsmacking interception by quarterback Will Howard.
The latest irritant to the crowd of 104,830 at Ohio Stadium was a failed third-down carry from running back TreVeyon Henderson, who was enveloped for negative yardage while the offensive line capitulated.
Smatterings of fans let their exasperation be heard as the punt team readied for duty and the band played on like nothing was wrong.