It certainly seems like it's become somewhat of a pattern for Ohio State to struggle the week before The Game, especially if the stakes are higher. Can't get much higher than seeing a Top 3 battle between 11-0 Ohio State and 11-0 Michigan. But in order to get there, the Buckeyes had to fend off an inspired rally from a tough Maryland team that fought the boys in Scarlet and Gray tooth and nail until the bitter end.
But Ohio State got the job done tonight. It was ugly. It was sloppy. It was a mid-November slugfest. A slobberknocker. But they found a way to get the job done. In the words of Al Davis, "Just win, baby." The Buckeyes did that. How? Let's check out the Keys to Victory!
Get off to a fast start
The Buckeyes did strike rather quickly to open the game, which was nice to see. But they failed to really get anything else going until after halftime. They trailed 13-10 at the break, and failed to get in some kind of offensive rhythm until a HUGE special teams play, a blocked punt by Lathan Ransom, put the offense in a perfect position to get rolling. Ohio State cannot sleepwalk against Michigan next week, or it could be ugly at home in Columbus! They may be a second half team. But waiting to show up until the second half will eventually cost them dearly. If it doesn't cost them next week, it will cost them in the College Football Playoff if they make it.
Run the Ball
"OhIo STaTe CAn'T RuN tHe FoOtBalL." I've heard that enough times this entire season to drive me absolutely crazy. Have the Buckeyes struggled to run it at times? Certainly. But it doesn't mean they can't. Dallan Hayden may be the key to getting the Buckeyes going next week against the Wolverines. I know Maryland's run defense wasn't that great today. But seeing the true freshman run like he did today gives me hope for next week. He's only 5'10, 195 pounds. But he ran like he weighed at least 220. He's no Carlos Hyde, but Hayden has a nice mix of explosiveness when he hits the hole, power, and the ability to turn on the afterburner when needed. Plus he seems like he's got a dose of bad attitude. The Buckeyes could certainly use more bad attitude if they want to successfully run the football. Hayden had a monster day for the Buckeyes, carrying the rock 27 times for 146 yards and three touchdowns. Way to go, kid!
Defensive litmus test
This one was a mixed bag. The secondary certainly can be exploited through the passing game. Perhaps I've seen enough awful zone coverage with Joe Woods and the Browns that I've become accustomed to seeing what the wrong defensive scheme looks like. But the Buckeyes struggled to stop the big play at times through the air. Taulia Tagovailoa went 26-36 for 293 yards and two touchdowns.
On the flipside though, the Silver Bullets showed up when they absolutely had to. Sometimes that's all that matters. They had five sacks on Tagovailoa and eight tackles for loss. None biggger than Zach Harrison's sack with about 40 seconds left in the game, and forcing a fumble that led to a scoop and score to effectively end the game. All in all, I still think Ohio State is in decent shape to get after Michigan next week if they stick to their defensive gameplan. But they need to figure out a way to get pressure brewing early. They can't afford to wait to unleash it next weekend.
Business as usual mindset
Ohio State and Michigan both had nailbiters today. There has to be a few reasons for that, and I think one of them was definitely evident: They were both looking ahead to each other. Ohio State made plays when they needed them, but I have a bad feeling that they lost their focus a little bit.
But they don't need to focus anywhere else any longer. The biggest rivalry in all of sports is officially on. T-minus seven days. That's all that stands between the Buckeyes and the 118th edition of The Game. And I absolutely cannot wait. The 11-0 Buckeyes are all set to face the Michigan Wolverines, their age-old rivals. And I absolutely cannot wait. GO BUCKS!
Statistical Leaders
CJ Stroud: 18-30, 241 yards, touchdown
Dallan Hayden: 27 carries, 146 yards, three touchdowns
Emeka Egbuka, 6 receptions, 82 yards
Source: ESPN
Picture Credit: clutchpoints.com
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