The whole program handled this bowl process poorly and now they have egg on their face. Like you said, they should have focused on what they could control. By not doing so, they have now have cast a shadow on the most successful season they have had in a while.
Given Tom Allen’s stellar reputation the whole stunt was surprising. They took the high road after the “rules adjustment” that benefited the Buckeyes, but obviously were blindsided by the bowl selection process.
That said just a bad look all around. With everything going on in the world today why publicly voice your displeasure over something as menial as the Citrus vs Outback.