That's more like it! Ohio State rolls to 10-0 on the season with a comfortable win as they cruised to victory over Indiana. Are the Hoosiers a bad team? Yes. Am I getting hyped up for that win? No. But I was pleasantly surprised at how good Ohio State looked today. They can definitely take some positives and build on them for the game next week at Maryland. But for now, let's take a look at the Keys to Victory!
Run the ball!
The Buckeyes definitely got the job done on the ground today. Although this one was bittersweet. Miyan Williams recorded his second straight 100-yard game in a row, carrying the ball 15 times for 147 yards and a touchdown. But he rolled his ankle and had to be carted off the field. This is definitely concerning now, as Williams' fellow running back TreVeyon Henderson has been out seemingly every other game as well. This leaves true freshman Dallan Hayden as the only currently healthy running back on the roster (knock on wood) going into next week. Hayden did see quite a bit of action though, carrying the ball 19 times for 102 yards and a touchdown.
But running the ball against Indiana is far easier than running it against That Team Up North. I'll definitely be keeping an eye on this area of things next week before we head into The Game on November 26th. If Ohio State can run the ball, they're that much more dangerous. If not? They're one-dimensional, and likely in trouble when facing better teams. But for today, the Buckeyes did succeed here, rushing the ball 43 times for 340 yards and three touchdowns.
Unleash the Rushmen!
Indiana is already a struggling football team. And that's compounded even more when a stout defensive line is frequently getting in their quarterback's face. The Buckeye defensive front registered four sacks today, with Lathan Ransom and Jack Sawyer leading the way with a sack and a half each. The Hoosiers could barely get anything done today. Their offense was never really a threat, in large part because of the steady and persistent pass rush.
Business as Usual
Minus a couple minor mistakes, Ohio State seemed to be firing on all cylinders today. Again, it was against a bad Indiana team. But compared to how they looked against Northwestern last week? I'll take it. They got out to a fast start, at one point building a 28-0 lead, ran the ball well, CJ Stroud was doing CJ Stroud things, and the defense looked stout. Can't ask for much more than that. All a team can do is take care of business by winning the game that's in front of them, and up next on the schedule. And that's exactly what Ohio State did today. If they can do the same next week at Maryland, I'll be happy.
Other Notes
Local Lexington grad Cade Stover made his mark again this week, as he caught three passes for 45 yards and a pair of touchdowns. If I'm Coach Day, I'm figuring out ways to get him more involved over the next two weeks. He's 6'4, 255 pounds, and a BIG target. He'd be one of the aces up my sleeve. Especially going into The Game.
Opposing defenses already have to worry about arguably the most talented group of wide receivers in the country. Forcing them to also account for a surehanded, big tight end as an extra offensive weapon is just another headache for every opposing defensive coordinator, and another sleepless night. He's a fantastic route runner for a big guy, and he's either open down the middle, in the flats, or all alone in the corner of the endzone like he was today. He makes big catches when the team needs them!
To close this article though, I have to send a heartfelt congratulations to fifth-year senior Kamryn Babb. He caught his first career touchdown today, and the response from everyone on the team was nothing short of heartwarming. He's blown his ACL four times, and only played in seven career games, all in garbage time, and he'd never even caught a pass. But today, he hauled one in from CJ Stroud. And then he was absolutely mobbed by every one of his teammates.
Folks, sometimes things just hit my emotions right on the button, and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't emotional after hearing what he's been through and seeing that! He may have only one career touchdown catch on his stat line. But he's a team captain, and wears the number 0 jersey (the Block O) as a sign of how loved and respected he is by his teammates. Football when played at its absolute best, and highest level, is a brotherhood. And the Buckeyes showed that today by how they responded to him.
But the boys in Scarlet and Gray are going to need to take that same energy and brotherhood on the road next week, as the Buckeyes travel to College Park for a game at Maryland. Until then though, and as always...
GO BUCKS!
Stat Leaders:
CJ Stroud: 17-28, 297 yards, 5 touchdowns
Miyan Williams: 15 carries, 147 yards, touchdown
Marvin Harrison Jr., 7 receptions, 135 yards, touchdown
Source: ESPN
Picture Credit: footballclubfootball.blogspot.com
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