For two consecutive years now, OSU bows out of the playoffs unable to overcome everything that could go wrong. Let’s look at the evidence.
1) Did 2019 Clemson or 2020 Bama QBs come into their games busted all up and hindered because of injury? <Checks notes> No, that would only be OSU’s QB, Justin Fields, who will have played through his entire collegiate career without ever being able to play a playoff game healthy. 
2) Did Clemson or Bama lose their star running back to injury mid-game? No again, that bad luck only fell on OSU with Dobbins twisting his ankle (or getting it twisted) last year and Sermon exiting the game with one carry. 
3) Did OSU have the refs on their side in either game? That would be a big no. The travesty that was the booth review/reversal on a pivotal scoop and score that would have all but sealed the win for OSU in 2019 was a dagger. The evidence isn’t that strong in 2020 but I will say that flag on Banks where he defended the pass in the red zone on 3rd down that was called a PI and eventually resulted in a TD was a pivotal moment in a pivotal quarter that ended up being the difference in the game. Meanwhile, they completely missed either Farrell or Ruckert getting tackled while trying to catch a pass near the goal line, which was just killer. Also, Bama is known to avoid the penalties. You have to anticipate them not getting called for much. It’s like the refs are scared of Saban or something.
4) This year, the game might have been over before it even began when OSU learned that covid would be taking out several key players while Bama appeared to be impervious to the virus. But wait, hold up. OSU has already been put at a disadvantage before the season even began. In a normal season where we are 7-8 games in, OSU wouldn’t even be hitting its stride yet or finished gelling as a team. Playing together over 12 games is part of a learning, growing, and maturation process that is vital for QB-receiver chemistry, O-line chemistry and with the RB, and most importantly for the DBs to gain that footing and build that confidence. Imagine Bama was missing key starters from covid, Max Jones was all banged up, Harris had to leave the game after one play, and they were only seven games into their season while for OSU Fields was healthy, no covid, all starters ready to go, having played 12 games, and the refs calling an easy game for OSU...we would have whooped some crimson tide ass. In the end, like last year, having the deck stacked against OSU with unlucky and unfortunate shit was too much to overcome. But don’t get too down- the bucks gave it their all and perhaps overachieved and will be ready to go next year. Look for the young blood to come out hungry and with energy and with a full season of maturity, and after they get hot at the end of the year à la 2014, there will be some hell to pay! Great job on the season Buckeyes. We’re proud of all of you and root for your success at the next level and in life.