Eric Boggs
The Buckeyes delivered a resounding 38-15 win over Indiana this past Saturday, and the hosts of The OHIO Podcast—Chris Wilds, Cory Thompson, and Eric Boggs—broke down the team’s performance with detailed letter grades for the offense and defense. Here’s a recap of their insights and analysis.
Offensive Performance: B Grades Across the Board
Ohio State’s offense tallied 316 total yards—201 through the air and 115 on the ground—averaging 5.7 yards per play against a stout Indiana defense, ranked third in the Big Ten. Despite the win, the offense left room for improvement.
- Chris Wilds awarded the offense a B+, emphasizing the unit’s solid performance but noting areas needing work. He highlighted a turnover, penalties, and some missed opportunities, though praised the makeshift offensive line for its effort and individual players like Emeka Egbuka and TreVeyon Henderson for standout performances.
- Cory Thompson was more critical, giving the offense a B-. He cited issues with the run game, struggles on fourth down (including a failed goal-line stand), and missed opportunities. However, he acknowledged bright spots such as Henderson’s continued success and Carnell Tate’s emergence as a key playmaker.
- Eric Boggs opted for a more optimistic A-, appreciating the offense’s ability to overcome challenges against a tough defense. He commended the clean pass protection, which allowed zero sacks, and the clutch third-and-35 conversion as reasons for his higher grade.
Defensive Performance: Near-Perfect Execution
Ohio State’s defense put on a show, holding Indiana to just 151 total yards, including only 68 through the air and 83 on the ground. The Hoosiers managed just 2.6 yards per play, and half of their yardage came on two drives.
- Chris Wilds gave the defense an A, noting their dominance after a shaky first quarter. He highlighted the incredible performance against a top-five Indiana offense, which was held below 80 yards in both rushing and passing—a testament to the Buckeyes’ national championship-caliber defense.
- Cory Thompson agreed, also awarding an A, and shared a remarkable stat: Indiana gained zero net yards during nearly nine minutes of possession in the second quarter. He praised defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, calling the performance a “masterpiece,” and highlighted the unit’s eight tackles for loss and five sacks.
- Eric Boggs added that the defensive adjustments after Indiana’s opening drive were phenomenal, showcasing elite execution and game management.
Special Teams Excellence
The Buckeyes’ special teams received plenty of love as well, particularly for Caleb Downs’ punt return touchdown. That moment broke a 10-year drought for punt return scores at Ohio Stadium, and fans erupted in what Ryan Day described as the loudest moment he’s ever experienced there.
The hosts celebrated the play as a defining moment of the game, with comparisons to legendary plays like Braxton Miller’s iconic spin move.
Looking Ahead
Ohio State’s victory over Indiana showcased their ability to overcome adversity, adapt mid-game, and dominate when it matters most. The offense, while effective, must fine-tune their execution in critical moments as they prepare for tougher competition. The defense, however, continues to solidify its reputation as one of the nation’s elite units, capable of carrying the Buckeyes deep into the postseason.
With special teams firing on all cylinders, Ohio State looks poised for continued success. Buckeye Nation, the stage is set for a thrilling stretch run.
