Well folks, the preseason is over. That's how I looked at this one. No disrespect to Marshall, but the Thundering Herd were the final tune-up game for Ohio State before the Big Ten schedule begins next week, and it largely went how I expected it to go.
Did the Buckeyes look sharp enough before the real season starts? Here's what I saw:
Marshall gave the Buckeyes their best shot.
For most heavy underdog teams, they're probably happy to accept their $1-2 Million paycheck, take their expected butt whooping, and go home. But Charles Huff's team didn't get the memo early.
Behind their mobile quarterback Stone Earle, Marshall punched Ohio State's silver bullet defense in the mouth a couple times. He was efficient in his time under center, going 16-21 for 132 yards and a touchdown. He led the Herd on a couple long touchdown drives, which is definitely not something we're used to seeing against Jim Knowles' normally stout unit.
If he didn't go out after getting hurt in the third quarter, it makes me seriously wonder if he would have helped Marshall put even more points on the board. Ohio State's defense was definitely still solid for the most part. But there'll be a lot to clean up between now and next Saturday. They're still susceptible to giving up the big play.
Vroom Vroom!
Even though the Buckeye defense struggled a little bit early on, the offense had no such problem. The Ferrari was firing on all cylinders today, and Will Howard and Co. were lighting the scoreboard up practically at will.
Howard had a solid day, going 16-20 for 275 yards, two TDs and a pick. And even on the interception, he wasn't afraid to let it rip for his favorite target, Jeremiah Smith. The Marshall DB covering the electrifying freshman just ripped the ball out of his hands. Simple as that. Sometimes you just have to tip your hat to the guy across from you for a great play, line back up, and get him on the next one.
But the Buckeye offense piled up over 500 total yards, and Smith still had another big day for Ohio State, with three catches for 70 yards, most of which came on his 53-yard touchdown catch.
Experienced wideout Emeka Egbuka was even more impressive, going a perfect 5 for 5 for 117 yards and a long 68-yard touchdown catch, where he left the entire Marshall defense in the dust.
But what if I told you, he didn't even have the biggest offensive day? Check out my MVP of the game...
Quinshon Judkins: Lightning in a bottle!
Ohio State knew exactly what they were doing when they snagged this kid from the transfer portal once he left Ole Miss. Like I said in my last appearance on The OH Report podcast, he has the potential to be the "lightning" in the thunder and lightning combo between TreVeyon Henderson and himself.
His big-play explosiveness and ability to turn the corner and get upfield faster than most backs, really adds another dimension to an already deadly offense. Not to mention he'll come in handy if (God forbid) Henderson suffers another injury that keeps him out for an extended period of time.
But Judkins showed why he was one of the best players in the country, as he shredded Marshall's defense for 173 yards and two touchdowns, including an absolutely beautiful 86-yard sprint where he absolutely housed it!
Animal's Wish List
Overall, I was happy with Ohio State today, even though the Buckeyes failed to cover the spread. They were expected to beat Marshall by 40. If I had one wish for the Buckeyes though, it would be that the secondary plays tighter.
I understand that Jim Knowles loves to scheme and disguise his coverages. Any great DC probably enjoys doing that. But if there is one weakness for this Buckeye defense, it's that the best opposing quarterbacks are able to take what the silver bullets are giving them, and they're masters at finding the holes in the coverage. The best quarterbacks can nickel and dime the Buckeyes all the way down the field. There needs to be tighter coverage.
If they do that, it'll allow the Buckeye defensive line to generate more pressure up front, and more time to get home and sack the quarterback consistently. Tighter coverage can unlock everything else.
What's Next?
Next up, Ohio State travels to East Lansing, Michigan on September 28 for their Big Ten opener against the Michigan State Spartans. As of this article both teams are 3-0 after a slate of tune-up games, with the Spartans playing Boston College later tonight on the road.
But regardless of what happens for MSU later tonight, the real chase for the Big Ten Championship begins next week!
GO BUCKS!
Statistical Leaders
Will Howard: 16-20, 275 yards, 2 TDs, INT
Quinshon Judkins: 14 carries, 173 yards, 2 TDs
Emeka Egbuka: 5 catches, 117 yards, TD
Sources
ESPN, CBS Sports
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