MY THOUGHTS.....Youngstown State

 

Another “underwhelming” performance by Ohio State’s offense and another decent defensive performance led to the home opening 35-7 win over Youngstown State.  The good news about the offense centered around Marvin Harrison Jr.  After rather pedestrian numbers against Indiana, the Heisman candidate led the way with seven receptions for 160 yards and two touchdowns.  Emeka Egbuka also recovered from a sluggish performance last week, with five catches for 94 yards and a touchdown.  Even though Devin Brown had a decent day under center, throwing for over 100 yards, Kyle McCord seemed to solidify once and for all, his position as QB1, going 14 for 20 for 258 yards and three touchdowns.  After answering Youngstown State’s touchdown drive with three unanswered touchdowns, the Ohio State offense seemed to take their foot off the gas in the second half.  The offensive line, although providing decent pass protection, was able to pave the way for just 123 yards rushing.  On the other hand, there were no sacks and no turnovers.  But it’s clear the offensive line is still a work in progress.

            The defense adjusted after Youngstown State drove for their score in the first quarter and they limited the Penguins to just seven first downs after the first quarter as the Penguins never even came close to scoring after their lone touchdown drive.  Tommy Eichenberg again led the way with six tackles and a sack.  Davison Igbinosun played very well in the secondary, making five stops and broke up a fourth-down pass.  Steele Chambers and Sonny Styles put several big hits on Youngstown State ball carriers as well as Cody Simon and Jack Sawyer.  The defense turned in its second decent performance in as many games and I found their intensity didn’t let off, even in the fourth quarter with a large lead. 

            Ohio State has another week to make adjustments and get better offensive line play before the visit to South Bend, but they need to continue the improvement against a scrappy bunch from Bowling Green, KY as the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers come to town next week.