The Ohio State Buckeyes have won back-to-back B1G Championships for the first time since the conference went to divisional play and a championship game. They join Wisconsin as back-to-back winners (2011-2012). Dwayne Haskins was simply unstoppable, and if there’s any legitimacy to the Heisman process, he will be invited to New York as a Heisman finalist. For the third time this season, Haskins has thrown for over 400 yards; this time breaking his own record by throwing for 499 yards and five touchdowns, which is also a B1G title game record. It was part of a 607 yard effort by the Ohio State offense. The only time Haskins looked less than perfect was his second quarter interception, but appeared to me as a mistake by the receiver cutting the route short and a miscommunication. But, two plays made by Haskins stand out. On the first drive of the game, Haskins, not known for his scrambling ability, nevertheless, managed to elude three Northwestern defenders before throwing a perfect pass to Terry McLaurin in the end zone. Then, late in the second quarter, facing a 3rd-and-20 from the Wildcats 42, Haskins throw a perfect ball to McLaurin again for a touchdown, giving Ohio State a 24-7 lead at the half and some space they needed as Northwestern started playing better in the third quarter. Chris Olave showed his performance against Michigan was no fluke as he posted five receptions for 79 yards and a touchdown. His touchdown in the third quarter was huge, as until then, Northwestern had the momentum and had closed the gap to 24-21. I was surprised the running game did not produce more than a paltry 108 yards and only 2.4 yards per carry. At times, Northwestern was playing more men up close to the line of scrimmage, but I am surprised I didn’t see any end-arounds or shovel passes to Parris Campbell, utilizing his speed. Dobbins and Weber were the only ones (besides Haskins) who carried the ball. Dobbins gained a respectable four yards per carry and got the only rushing touchdown on a two-yard plunge, and Weber was held to 51 yards.
The Ohio State defense seemed to revert to their
hit-and-miss ways a few times, but other times, played well. They gave up their only “chunk play”, a 77
yard touchdown run in the first quarter, and at times in the third quarter,
Northwestern’s Clayton Thorson was able to find receivers underneath. But, Ohio State’s defense also turned in some
big plays when needed. DE Chase Young
and LB Malik Harrison played their best games all year. Harrison led the team in tackles with 10,
while Young sacked Thorson three times, the biggest in the second quarter that
resulted in a fumble, which led to a field goal. Save for the third quarter, Ohio State’s
defense played well, giving Northwestern only 5-of-15 third down conversions
and seven punts.
Next up for the Buckeyes is a trip to Pasadena to play in
the Rose Bowl against the Washington Huskies.
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