by Photo via Barbara Perenic/Columbus Dispatch/Imagn Images
This afternoon, the No. 2 Ohio State football team defeated Purdue in dominating fashion by a score of 45-0. While the win was expected, it was the Buckeyes’ second shutout of the year and third win in a row. Here are some of our biggest takeaways from the blowout.
Big plays change game early
While the score ended incredibly lopsided, the beginning of the game was not so. Without two key plays, things could have looked a lot different, especially early on. First, after punts by both teams to start the game, it looked as if Purdue would punt the ball once again back to the Buckeyes after getting stopped on third down deep in their own territory on their second drive of the day. However, backup defensive end Caden Curry slipped by a pair of Purdue lineman and got his hand on the ball, blocking the punt and setting up Ohio State within the 10-yard line, where they scored the first touchdown of the game four plays later.
Then, on Purdue’s next offensive drive, the Boilermakers finally found some things clicking, as they were able to punish Ohio State’s thin defensive line scheme with the run game and tear their way deep into Buckeye territory. After being stopped on third down at the Ohio State 3-yard line, it looked like a simple chip shot field goal would put the Boilermakers on the board and keep them in the game. But, as I’m sure some have guessed, Purdue kicker Spencer Porath shanked the kick wide left to preserve the shutout.
Defense stands tall once again
As we’ve said over the past few weeks, the defense needs to improve following the Oregon loss and once again it has shown that it certainly has. All aspects of the unit were stout throughout the contest and while they did bend a few times, they did not break. Aside from the early missed field goal, quarterback Hudson Card and Purdue really only threatened the Buckeye defense once more, but a key interception from veteran safety Lathan Ransom in the end zone saved them.
Ransom’s interception was not the only big play on the defensive stat sheet, as Ohio State recorded four sacks on the day. Sonny Styles and Joshua Mickens each had one, while J.T. Tuimoloau, Jordan Hancock, Jack Sawyer and Cody Simon all had a half of a sack. Mickens’ sack late in the game was the sophomore’s first as a Buckeye. Oh, and Tuimoloau forced a fumble that Sawyer promptly scooped up and took back for the touchdown. Let’s hope these two can continue their strong run of play because when they’re on, they’re among the best edges in all of the country.
Smith breaks freshman record
Offensively, the big day was likely highlighted by true freshman wideout Jeremiah Smith breaking Cris Carter’s freshman receptions record of 42. Smith was brilliant once again, recording six catches for 87 yards and a touchdown at the end of the first half. While his first college season isn’t even close to over, the superstar is already in the record books, with many more likely and hopefully heading his way. Don’t look now, but if things continue to break for Smith the way they have been, we could very plausibly be having the conversation about him being the greatest Ohio State wide receiver ever in a couple of years. Only time will tell.
Howard, Henderson dominate
While it might be a bit less of a storyline than Smith’s record-breaking performance, the showings from quarterback Will Howard and running back TreVeyon Henderson should not go unnoticed. Howard’s play this year has generally been commended, but he’s rightfully been criticized for a few key mistakes, some of which have placed the Buckeyes in perilous waters. However, the fifth-year quarterback was excellent today and made none of the aforementioned mistakes. Howard went 21-for-26 in the game, with four total touchdowns (three passing, one rushing) and zero interceptions. It was a very encouraging performance for a guy who most definitely has the talent and experience to take the Buckeyes where they want to go.
It also really helps take the pressure off Howard when the running game is on point, which it was today. The talent of the two-headed monster of Henderson and Quinshon Judkins has been praised all year, but against Purdue, it was mostly all Henderson. The senior only had six carries all game, but made the most of them with 85 yards and a touchdown. On top of that, he had three big receptions for 43 yards, bringing his total yardage to 128. He looked both elusive and strong, and that had to make Buckeye fans feel good. Judkins didn’t look great and while his inconsistency should be monitored, having a handcuff like Henderson completely changes the way defenses have to defend against the run.
Injury updates
As we get later and later into the year, it’s important to keep a close eye on the injury concerns. Firstly, defensive tackle Tyleik Williams was questionable before the game with an ankle injury that he picked up last week, and didn’t end up seeing the field today. It looks to be just a precaution, but let’s hope that sitting out today’s blowout win will help Williams get back to form before Indiana and Michigan. In his absence, Eddrick Houston, Kayden McDonald, Hero Kanu and Tywone Malone Jr. stepped up alongside fellow starter Ty Hamilton in the middle of the line.
Elsewhere, left guard Carson Hinzman went down with a scary looking knee injury in the first half, but was able to return in the second half. After the injuries to Josh Simmons and Zen Michalski, Hinzman slid into the starting guard spot with Donovan Jackson moving over to tackle last week and was great, so keeping him healthy going forwards will be paramount, especially considering the fragility of the left side of the line.
With the win, the Buckeyes now improve to 8-1 and look to have a solid grip on the No. 2 spot in the College Football Playoff Rankings following losses by Georgia and Miami (Fl.). Next up for Ohio State will be on the road at Northwestern, another game which the Buckeyes should handily win.
