That'll work! A week after struggling with a scrappy Maryland team, the Buckeyes control the game against the Purdue Boilermakers and go wire to wire for an impressive win!
Yes, I know Purdue is a bad team this year. They came into this one with a 2-4 record. But Ohio State was expected to beat them by at least 17 points. That was the spread. But they covered it and then some. Even though there were definitely a few mistakes to clean up, the Buckeyes got the job done. How? Let's take a look at the Keys to Victory!
Solid Defense.
Even though the Buckeyes definitely have things to clean up on this side of the ball, I was pleasantly surprised with how solid they were for the most part. They held the Boilermakers to a combined 5-20 (25%) on third and fourth down, registered eight tackles for loss, and got to Purdue signal caller Hudson Card for three sacks.
They also held the Boilermakers to 14-35 passing for just 135 yards and their lone touchdown when it was already garbage time. Ohio State had the game well in hand by the time Purdue finally got on the board. I loved the way the secondary was flying around and swarming to the football. I'm not going to say the Silver Bullets showed up today. They were playing against a bad football team. Period. But playing like that is what I expect to see from a good team like Ohio State. Now the question is: Can they ratchet it up several notches? They're going to have to, if they expect to compete for the Big Ten Championship and a College Football Playoff berth. Gotta raise the standard and push the bar higher!
The biggest glaring weakness I saw, was that the rushing defense was a little spotty today. Purdue running back Devin Mockobee didn't score a touchdown today. But he did carve up Ohio State a little bit on the ground, carrying the ball 18 times for 110 yards, which comes out to 6.1 yards per carry. That's not good enough run defense.
If a team is getting four to five yards per carry on the ground consistently, they're doing a decent job of running the football. Getting four to five yards a pop every time you run the football puts your offense in more manageable downs later in the series, and it forces the defense to stack the box to stop the run, which leaves their secondary vulnerable. And they're forced to stop you on short yardage plays. The Buckeyes are lucky Purdue doesn't have athletes on their level, or the Boilermakers could have really hurt them in this part of the game.
Kyle McCord looks solid again.
I know he still has to settle into his role. But I was pleasantly surprised at how well Kyle McCord took care of the football (minus the fumble late in the game). He took what Purdue gave him, and wasn't afraid to flash his arm strength when he had a chance to burn Purdue with the deep ball.
The only thing I really hope he improves on, is forcing the football so much. He's still learning as a quarterback. But one of the telltale signs of a new or growing quarterback, is they try to do too much. They try to play what I always call "hero ball." They chuck the ball up and try to force it against good coverage, only to get picked off when they make that mistake. McCord had a few of those in the big game against Notre Dame. Especially in that game-winning drive. He had a couple against Maryland. And today, he had a few against Purdue. He needs to cut down on forcing it. Sooner rather than later, a great secondary will make him pay for it. But for now, I was happy with his performance for the most part.
Also, I want to see Devin Brown get more involved as a runner, or in some other capacity. Yes, he's listed as a quarterback. But I would like to see Coach Day develop a couple new wrinkles for him in the playbook. He's got some wheels for sure! He runs with an attitude! There's gotta be SOMETHING Brown can be used for in these bigger games. When he was coaching at Florida, Urban Meyer used both Chris Leak and Tim Tebow on several occasions, with Leak being the starting quarterback at the time, and Tebow serving as that "extra athlete." Ryan Day should consider a similar scheme with Devin Brown if he's hellbent on staying with McCord as his starting quarterback.
No starting running back? No problem!
I wasn't too concerned about both TreVeyon Henderson and Miyan Williams being out for this game. Purdue didn't scare me. And I'd much rather have our two best running backs rest for the bigger games that are looming on the horizon. Especially starting next week. Williams was out with an unspecified injury, while Henderson sat out because he's still recovering from a foot injury. That broken bone he suffered in his foot last season has really nagged him. But I would not be surprised if he played next weekend.
But when it came to running the football by committee, Ohio State didn't do too bad, running the ball 39 times for 152 yards and two touchdowns. It's nothing to write home about, but it'll do in a game like this. It'll get the job done.
Dallan Hayden saw his first action in a while and led the way with 11 carries for 76 yards and a touchdown. I love the way he runs. He's only 5'10 and 205 pounds. But he runs with an attitude, and often plays like a much bigger running back. He's the kind of guy who seems like he brings his hardhat and lunch pail to work every week, and just pounds away. That's a blue-collar Buckeye running back!
Cade's big day!
He's at it again! Cade Stover caught not just one, but two touchdowns today in Ohio State's win over Purdue. His official stat line shows four catches for 53 yards and two scores. But I'm perfectly okay with that.
I am VERY interested to see how much Coach Day utilizes him in bigger games down the stretch. He's still such an underrated weapon. Cade Stover is a massive man who stands 6'4 and weighs 255 pounds, and who can block and catch everything thrown his way. I can't wait to see him utilized in Ohio State's biggest games of the season!
And we won't have to wait much longer for a true heavyweight contest. Ohio State now prepares to defend the Horseshoe, as Penn State comes to town next week. Folks, this is what college football is all about. Two Top 10 teams with Big Ten Championship, and National Championship aspirations going toe to toe in The House That Harley Built. Doesn't get much better than that.
The Big Ten East is probably the strongest division in the country right now, as Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State are all unbeaten, and all ranked in the Top 10. But that'll change starting next week. The Buckeyes need to ratchet their intensity up several notches if they want to stay undefeated. Starting next week against the Nittany Lions, it's time for Ohio State to put their money where their mouth is.
But for now, I'm just happy these guys got to 6-0! GO BUCKS!
Statistical Leaders
Kyle McCord: 16-28, 276 yards, 3 TDs
Dallan Hayden: 11 carries, 76 yards, TD
Marvin Harrison Jr.: 6 receptions, 105 yards, TD
Source: ESPN
Picture Credit: clutchpoints.com
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