This one couldn't end fast enough. Ouch! I know MAC schools, and other smaller conferences often have teams get paid to take a blowout loss, but this was on a whole other level. Heisman favorite CJ Stroud lit Toledo up, going 22-27, 367 yards and five touchdowns.
The Buckeyes pounded Toledo with the run as well. Even though TreVeyon Henderson left the game early with an unspecified injury, Dallan Haden had his first breakout game at Ohio State, carrying the rock for 17 times, 108 yards and a touchdown. He definitely made his mark!
Overall, Ohio State rolled up 763 total yards, and scored the most points since 2019, when they blew out Maryland 73-14. Two other notable games where the Buckeye offense annihilated the competition? 2018 vs. Oregon State (77-31), and 2016 vs. Bowling Green (77-10). Some fans might love to see opposing teams get lit up like this, but I honestly feel bad for them. There is only one team on God's green earth that I wouldn't feel bad for if they lost to Ohio State by that much. I'll give you three guesses as to who, but you're only going to need one.
Let's take a look at the Keys to Victory, shall we?
Get the running game going: Even though TreVeyon Henderson went out early with an unspecified injury and didn't return to the game, the Ohio State rushing attack didn't miss a beat, as the team rushed for 44 times, 281 yards, and five touchdowns. Toledo had no answer for the Buckeye ground game.
Get the pass rush brewing and bring the energy on defense: While I'm sure Ryan Day will always say there's room for improvement, the defense buckled down, allowing 21 points from a Toledo offense that had the potential to be explosive. They got after Toledo signal caller Daquan Finn, sacking him three times and intercepting him once. But perhaps just as importantly, the Buckeyes always seemed to have high energy throughout the entire game. While it can't cover for every mistake and weakness, playing at a high level and bringing a lot of energy can help compensate for a lot of problems. I'm interested to see how the defense plays going forward. Especially against Wisconsin at home next weekend to open Big Ten play. The defense needed a game like this!
Clean up the penalties: I'm going to keep this one short and simple. This was one of the biggest improvements I've seen compared to the last two games. Aside from a small five-yard false start penalty later in the game, the Buckeyes played completely clean. That one penalty was the only one committed in all four quarters. Absolutely fantastic! Hope they keep playing clean football!
Before I wrap this one up, I'd be remiss if I didn't give a shoutout to a fan-favorite in the OH Report coverage area. Lexington graduate and Ohio State wide receiver Cade Stover got in on the action tonight for the Buckeyes, hauling in three catches for 83 yards, including a long of 38 yards. Congratulations, Cade!
Next up, Ohio State opens up Big Ten play at home against the Wisconsin Badgers. Even though it's at Ohio Stadium next week, Wisconsin always seems to play the Buckeyes tough. Hopefully Ryan Day and Co. are on their game like they were tonight. But for now, they roll to 3-0 in impressive style! GO BUCKS!
Sources: ESPN, utrockets.com
Picture Credit: clutchpoints.com
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