COLLEGE FOOTBALL REPORT WEEKDAY UPDATE : AROUND THE NATION : Cooper Gets Heat for Decision

Ohio State Coach John Cooper drew criticism Monday for agreeing to let Saturday’s 35-26 loss to USC end with 2:36 remaining to play.

The game was called in the midst of a heavy thunderstorm after USC recovered an Ohio State onside kick near midfield. Ohio State had just scored to make it 35-26.

A reporter pointed out that the Buffalo Bills had scored three touchdowns in 77 seconds in beating the Denver Broncos on Sunday.

“If we had recovered the onside kick, sure I think we’d have finished the ballgame,” Cooper said. “A lot of things could have happened. They could have fumbled the first snap, we could have thrown the bomb. But, in a driving rainstorm like that, I didn’t think our chances of making two scores were very realistic.”