Much has been (rightfully) made about the lack of strength of schedule for Ohio State to this point in the season. After three wins over Group of 5 teams, it was time for the Buckeyes to be tested by a Big Ten foe. Don’t let the final score fool you, Ohio State was tested early and had to respond. It’s safe to say the Buckeyes passed the test and kicked off their nine-game conference slate with an impressive 38-7 win over Michigan State.
Ohio State Passes First B1G Test, Beats Michigan State, 38-7
Slow Start on Defense
Last week, Marshall scored the first two touchdowns of the year on Ohio State’s defense. The world was ending. Jim Knowles elected to not honor any players as the Defensive Player of the Game. There were tangible concerns. Then, Michigan State took no time at all to continue those concerns.
In the first half, minus the half-ending kneel-down, Michigan State compiled 190 yards across four drives. One of those drives, the Spartans took advantage of the ugly Will Howard interception with a one-play, 12-yard “drive” to get on the board. Those other three drives spanned 21 plays and went for 55 yards, 64 yards, and 59 yards, respectively.
However, the reason why Ohio State was able to keep Michigan State at bay was because those three drives ended with a turnover on downs, a fumble, and another fumble.
In the second half, the defense stepped up in a massive way. Michigan State had three drives with the starters still in. The Spartans managed 11 plays for 19 yards with two three-and-outs. The key to the game was to create opportunities on which they much capitalize. Michigan State’s offense was mistake-prone and Ohio State took advantage.
Moving forward, the defense knows what it needs to improve upon. The interior defensive line needs to step up when Tyleik Williams is not out there. While was “available” against Michigan State, he did not appear and it was apparent.
In total, Ohio State forced four sacks, seven tackles for loss, two forced fumbles (both recovered by the defense), and a Denzel Burke interception.
Built In a Lab
Jeremiah Smith is still very good at football.
In the first half, Smith was carrying the Buckeye offense on his back. The first few passes of the game went Carnell Tate‘s way and Emeka Egbuka dealt with a couple of drops on the day. Smith scored the second touchdown of the day off a fourth-down end-around in the second quarter. This time, Smith turned the corner and scampered into the end zone untouched.
On the next drive as the Buckeyes were just trying to get points heading into the half, Smith stepped up. The talented freshman hauled in a 27-yard reception with 50 seconds to go where he went up in double coverage, snatched the ball with one hand, and brought it down as he was being tackled by his facemask. Then, Devin Brown had to come in for third down after Howard got hit and was shaken up. He put the ball where only Smith could get it and the receiver extended his right arm, hauled in the pass with one hand, and scored another touchdown.
Smith ended the night with five catches for 83 yards and a touchdown to go with his 19-yard rushing touchdown.
Offense Clicking
Egbuka overcame his two big drops and led the way with 96 yards and a touchdown off seven catches.
Elsewhere on the offense, the two talented running backs were held out of the endzone for the first time this year. Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson ran for 123 yards off 18 carries. Henderson owned the longest rush of the day with his 37-yard run in the second quarter. Despite being held out of the endzone, this game will be one that NFL scouts study. In addition to his solid rushing ability, he stole the show in pass protection. On the touchdown to Smith, he bought Brown just enough time with a crucial block.
At quarterback, Howard, aside from his objectively ugly interception, was solid. He finished his first Big Ten game (and first road game) 21-of-31 for 244 yards and two touchdowns. He also added six rushes for 14 yards and a touchdown.
In mop-up duty, true freshman Julian Sayin came in and added 23 yards through the air. His final throw was on fourth and one as he uncorked a deep ball over the head of his intended receiver. Day was visibly disappointed in his backup quarterback’s decision. Sayin showed good zip on the ball on his three completions in his first drive, however.
Credit Where It’s Due
This Michigan State team put up more of a fight than the last seven years combined. Chiles showed flashes of that high-ceiling quarterback he is expected to be. The Spartans may have lost at home to the Buckeyes by 31 but they looked rejuvenated…at least, they did early.
While this game was not the ideal effort from Ryan Day’s squad, it gave them a gut-check early. It also gave them a good look at a legitimate dual-threat quarterback. The defense was not up to expectation and while they had those turnovers, that’s not sustainable.
Ohio State got hit in the mouth early and responded. Now, the Buckeyes turn their attention to Iowa with that massive cross-country matchup with Oregon the following week. Ohio State forced four turnovers on defense (including the turnover on downs). On offense, it responded with a touchdown, an interception, a three-and-out, and a touchdown. While two touchdowns out of four opportunities is good, it may not been good enough against top-tier programs.
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