Ohio State Buckeyes

Did criticizing coaches hurt Elliott's Heisman chances? Archie Griffin weighs in

Published Dec. 14, 2015 12:56 p.m. ET

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Ezekiel Elliott did not join Archie Griffin on the list of Ohio State's Heisman winners, and Griffin thinks he knows at least part of the reason why. 

Elliott managing only 33 yards rushing on 12 carries in a season-crippling loss to Michigan State probably had a big effect on Elliott's candidacy, but did calling for more carries and criticizing the coaching staff afterward have an even bigger impact? 

In an interview with BuckeyeSports.com, Griffin suggested that could be the case. 

Griffin, who is the only Ohio State player to run for more yards in his Ohio State career than Elliott, won the Heisman Trophy in 1974 and '75. 

He is still the only player to repeat as a winner, and he has remained a big part of the Buckeye community for most of his life, including spending 10 years as the president of the school's alumni association. 

Elliott had a monster postseason in 2014, totaling 698 yards against Wisconsin, Alabama and Oregon as the Buckeyes won the national championship. 

He made such an impact that he was named the winner of the prestigious Sullivan Award, which goes to the top amateur athlete in the country, and he entered the 2015 season thought to be among the most likely players to claim the Heisman Trophy. 

Elliott followed up his big 2014 postseason by rushing for 1,672 yards to lead the Big Ten, but he did not even get an invite to the Heisman ceremony in New York City last weekend. 

His comments raised an uproar, but he did not face punishment from coach Urban Meyer, who said he agreed with the sentiment but not the fact they were delivered publicly. 

Griffin suggested Elliott's choice to speak out shows his status on the team. 

Elliott followed up his dud against Michigan State by running for 214 yards in a 42-13 win at Michigan. 

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