Running back Ezekiel Elliott was ill the week of the Michigan State game, according to a tweet today by his father Stacy, and was fortunate to even play.That was famously the game in which Elliott carried only 12 times for 33 yards and had only two rushing attempts in the second half.
Week of the MSU game Ezekiel was SICK! It's a MIRICAL he could stand/run game day! We kept this a secret! #GoBucks! pic.twitter.com/VYxFekhHlK
— Ambassador Elliott (@stacy_elliott) December 5, 2015
This is why my Son was in so much emotional pain! Urban Meyer said"brother trust me I will demand greatness of Eze"! pic.twitter.com/NzfrcFBiJR
— Ambassador Elliott (@stacy_elliott) December 5, 2015
If true, this might explain why Zeke saw the ball so few times in the game. As the photo shows Elliott in the hospital, it must have been a severe illness.
You may recall that Elliott exploded in frustration after the game, complaining about the play calling and a lack of touches.
It's not unusual for teams to cover up player injuries/illnesses and if Zeke was fortunate to be able to stand or run on game day, as his dad says, it would explain a lot about the play calling and perhaps the result of the game. That single illness may have cost Ohio State a shot at both a Big Ten and a national championship.
For Elliott, who was named a finalist for the Chicago Tribune Silver Football Award today, it may also have cost him a shot at the Heisman Trophy.
