Eric Boggs
The Ohio State Buckeyes wrapped up their season with a 28-14 victory over Texas in the Cotton Bowl, showcasing flashes of brilliance alongside areas for improvement. As The OHIO Podcast crew handed out postgame grades for the offense and defense, a consensus emerged: while the defense shined, the offense left room for debate.
The Buckeyes’ offense managed 370 total yards—289 through the air and 81 on the ground—averaging 6.5 yards per play. While time of possession favored Ohio State (31:38), inefficiencies on third down (3-of-10) and costly penalties marred the performance.
Podcast co-host Chris wasn’t shy about his critique, giving the offense a C+, citing a lack of consistency and “stupid penalties.” Despite a few standout plays, including a crucial fourth-down conversion by Will Howard and a dazzling 75-yard touchdown run by TreVeyon Henderson, Chris noted, “It just wasn’t very effective overall.”
Corey was slightly more generous, offering a B-, noting Texas’ stout defense. “Donovan Jackson had a phenomenal performance on the line,” Corey said, while acknowledging the disjointed blocking and missed opportunities. Henderson, who racked up nearly 200 all-purpose yards alongside Quinshon Judkins, earned praise for his big-play ability.
Another host graded the offense a B, highlighting a 50% rushing success rate and the team’s ability to deliver in clutch moments. “When they needed their offense most, they went down the field and scored,” they noted.
Ohio State’s defense stole the show, holding Texas to just 58 rushing yards and limiting them to 5.0 yards per play. The Buckeyes forced two turnovers, recorded four sacks, and allowed only five first downs on 15 third-down attempts.
Chris handed out an A, emphasizing how the defense controlled the game against a potent Texas offense. “They made them look anemic,” he said, while praising the defensive line for its relentless pressure.
Another co-host went even further, grading the unit an A+, particularly for their fourth-quarter heroics. The Buckeyes forced a punt, recovered a fumble for a touchdown, and intercepted a pass to seal the game.
Corey echoed the sentiment, also giving the defense an A. “This defense is elite,” he declared, pointing to nine tackles for loss and timely turnovers. He added that Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau were “on another level,” with the duo playing their way into first-round NFL draft consideration.
While the defense received widespread acclaim, concerns about the linebackers linger. The podcast hosts noted struggles in coverage, with Texas exploiting checkdowns and wheel routes. Sonny Styles delivered some standout plays but was out of position at times, and the linebackers were frequently targeted by Texas coach Steve Sarkisian’s schemes.
Looking ahead, the Buckeyes’ defense will face a new challenge against Notre Dame’s mobile quarterback. “Running quarterbacks have been our Achilles heel,” one host admitted.
Ohio State’s Cotton Bowl win was a testament to their resilience and ability to capitalize on critical moments. While the defense proved dominant, the offense showed flashes of its potential but lacked consistency. With several key players improving their draft stock—most notably Donovan Jackson, Jack Sawyer, and JT Tuimoloau—the Buckeyes are poised for continued success.
As the team prepares for next season, fans will hope for more complete performances on both sides of the ball. For now, the Buckeyes can celebrate a hard-fought victory and a strong finish to the season.
