MY THOUGHTS.....Rutgers

 

The Ohio State Buckeyes turned in their best overall performance to date in blowing away the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 52-13.  The 45 first half points is the most scored in one half since they put up 56 on Iowa in 1995.  A pick-six by Denzel Burke along with a failed trick fake punt by Rutgers, led to two quick, easy scores and set the tone for the rest of the game. 

                The Ohio State defense continues their improvement as evidenced by their three interceptions, including the pick-six by Burke.  This marks the third straight game with an Ohio State defensive touchdown.  Ronnie Hickman was all over the field making plays, as he led the defense with 11 tackles.  Also having good games were Cameron Martinez, with seven stops, and Ryan Batsch with six.  Aside from a breakdown in the secondary on one play, the 75-yard touchdown pass from Noah Vedral to Aron Cruickshank, Ohio State’s defense played tough the entire game, three times stopping Rutgers on fourth-and-short, as well as stopping the fake punt Rutgers tried on their first possession.  About the only thing that didn’t go well for the defense was getting only one sack (Tyleik Williams).  The defense still had a great performance, but the pass rush will need to improve against the tougher teams in the conference.

                C.J. Stroud was able to put together his best game thus far, hitting receivers in stride and letting the playmakers make plays.  Stroud showed a better throwing motion and was much calmer, resulting in fewer mistakes.  Helping to open up the passing game for Stroud was the running of TreVeyon Henderson, whose 44-yard touchdown run on their first possession got things going.  Chris Olave led the way with his five receptions and two touchdowns, but the tight ends and RBs also combined for seven catches and two touchdowns, highlighted by Jeremy Ruckert’s career-high four receptions.  TreVeyon Henderson didn’t play after the first quarter, a precaution after getting banged up, but still led the way on the ground, with 71 yards and eight carries.  After he left the game, Master Teague and Marcus Crowley were more than equal to the task, combining for 110 yards on 18 carries. 

                Next up for Ohio State is Maryland in the ‘Shoe.  The Terrapins limp into Columbus after the pummeling they received from Iowa, but with still a respectable 4-1 record.  So, the Buckeyes will need to continue the upward trend of the defense and get another convincing win before the bye week.