Photo by Ohio State Athletics
With the worry of a letdown game after the big victory over Penn State last week, the Buckeyes gave a strong outing as they derailed the Boilermakers 45-0.
I mentioned last week what more I wanted to see from Ohio State after their big win over Penn State. The two biggest things were, first seeing their starting five on the offensive line to continue work well together. Second, seeing the defense pressure the quarterback, particularly from their edge rushers. The Buckeyes up front on both sides of the ball delivered.
Up Front
It started with the offensive line. Their lineup of from left tackle to right of Donovan Jackson, Carson Hinzman, Seth McLaughlin, Tegra Tshabola, and Josh Fryar put together another great game. The offense didn’t run as much as last week but still racked up 173 yards on the ground. The line was great, giving up only one sack. Though worst moment for them was when Carson Hinzman went down with an injury. There’s still a massive wind gust heading east because all of Ohio was holding their breath, and exhaled when Hinzman walked it off and came back into the game.
Defensive Line
The Buckeyes pitched a shutout, and did it with dominance. As it has all year, it started up front. Ty Hamilton had to do it without fellow defensive tackle Tyleik Williams but Williams wasn’t needed. Ohio State decided to rest Williams and Kayden McDonald, Hero Kanu, and the rest of the defensive line picked up where he left off. They opened things up for the rest of the defense.
The Bucks mixed up the pass rush like they did last week with blitzes and stunts to confuse the offense and create mismatches. J.T. Tuimoloau, Jack Sawyer, Caden Curry, Cody Simon, and Jordan Hancock combined for four sacks and five tackles for a loss. Tuimoloau also punched loose a ball from the Purdue running back that Jack Sawyer scooped up and took to the house.
For the third straight game an opponent had 1st and goal to go and the Buckeyes kept them off the scoreboard. The Red Zone defense stood tall, turning Purdue away again midway through the fourth quarter.
Special Teams and Stops
Curry also blocked a punt that gave Ohio State the ball at the Purdue eight-yard-line leading to the first Buckeye touchdown of the game. Curry plays with energy and heart that have him make a difference wherever he’s playing.
Purdue did move the ball somewhat, particularly when the Buckeyes would use three-man fronts on defense. But Ohio State never broke, even when they were dented. Purdue had the ball 11 times. They punted four times, missed two field goals, were stopped on downs twice, turned the ball over twice, and ran out of time at the end of the first half.
Shooting 45
Ohio State has notoriously struggled in the Red Zone in the Ryan Day Era. Coach Day and Coach Chip Kelly have changed that together this season. After nine games Ohio State is 32 of 33 in scoring when they get inside the opponent’s 20-yard line. Wait, there’s more! They’re 30 of 33 in touchdowns scored when they get into the Red Zone. They’ve only had to settle for field goals twice! 32 of 33 with 30 touchdowns and 2 field goals is ridiculous! It’s also an astronomical improvement for Ohio State. Give these coaches credit together for this improvement for the Buckeyes.
Misdirection and Crossing Routes
The misdirection touchdowns and crossing routes worked again this week. Howard had them to Gee Scott, Jeremiah Smith, and Emeka Egbuka. The plays start with the offense flowing right and throwing left ( or vice versa)to the receiver on a shallow crossing route. They used that twice to get Iniss and Egubka touchdowns against Penn State and should continue to be used.
Neither Penn State nor Purdue could run with our receivers and tight ends. I don’t think anyone in the country can. If defenses start to key on this, Hartline’s guys will have more one-on-one matchups further down field. This creates other mismatches as well. Today it allowed TreVeyon Henderson to contribute in the receiving game.
Henderson had a good game with three catches for 43 yards and six rushes for 85 yards and this touchdown.
Jeremiah Smith had himself a day as well. Smith shattered Ohio State records for receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown catches for a true freshman. Those records had been held by Buckeye legend Cris Carter for 40 years. He ended his day with six catches for 87 yards and a touchdown.
Will Howard
One accomplishment by the offense in this game was not turning the football over. It was this, coupled with something that happened 22 years ago that made realize which Buckeye from history Will Howard reminds me of. It’s Craig Krenzel. Howard is like Krenzel in that he’s a big guy who will run, make big throws, and always give his team a chance to win. Howard was 21 of 26 for 260 yards and four touchdowns (three passing, one rushing) for Ohio State in their victory today.
The Takeaway
It’s hard to take a lot away from a 45-0 win over a 1-8 team. The most important is the obvious and that’s the win. 8-1 and marching on and no major injuries or mistakes. Next the final road game in a baseball stadium before finishing at home against 10-0 Indiana and for Coach Day to finally get over the hump against the team in the urine-streaked helmets and trousers.
