Eric Boggs
In Ohio State’s recent showdown, the offense and defense put up a balanced performance that brought out mixed reviews from The OHIO Podcast hosts, Eric Boggs, J.R. Rhoades, Cory Thompson, and Chris Wilds. Each host offered a detailed breakdown and letter grade assessment of the Buckeyes’ showing on both sides of the ball.
Offensive Analysis: Resilient but Room for Growth
The Buckeyes’ offense accumulated 182 passing yards and 176 rushing yards, totaling 358 yards of balanced offense and averaging 5.6 yards per play. The unit achieved 21 first downs, successfully converted six of 13 third-down attempts, and held the ball for over 31 minutes. However, two turnovers by quarterback Will Howard kept the game closer than it needed to be.
Chris Wilds started by giving the offense a solid “B,” noting that although the offensive line performed admirably, turnovers held back their grade. “If I were grading just the offensive line, I’d go with a B+ or even A-,” he explained, “but those turnovers kept it from being higher.” Wilds praised the offense’s resilience and ability to finish strong, emphasizing Howard’s leadership in bouncing back from mistakes.
Cory Thompson echoed Chris’s sentiments, awarding a “B” and admiring Howard’s poise after his critical errors. “Howard made two big mistakes, but his leadership shone through. Despite the turnovers, he showed maturity by owning them and not getting rattled,” Cory added. He highlighted Ryan Day’s solid plan for the offensive line and noted that, aside from a few hiccups, the offense executed well.
J.R. Rhoades took a slightly more positive stance with a “B+” for the offense, acknowledging how the unit rallied after turnovers, embodying a “brotherhood on the field” that was emotionally moving. “After that pick-six, the whole offense responded. They lifted each other up,” Rhoades noted. “It felt like a true display of teamwork.” For J.R., the offense’s unity offset some of its rougher spots.
Defensive Analysis: Lockdown Performance with Minor Gaps
The Buckeye defense was formidable, allowing only 150 passing yards and 120 rushing yards for a total of 270 yards and just six points. They forced one turnover and limited Penn State’s offense to three conversions on 11 third-down attempts. The defense demonstrated grit, especially in crucial red zone moments that kept Penn State from capitalizing.
Chris Wilds gave the defense an “A-,” commending the solid performance but expressing concern over mobile quarterbacks, as Penn State’s Drew Allar managed some gains on the ground. He praised cornerback Davison Igbinosun’s strong game, adding, “The defense held strong, especially against Penn State’s most dangerous player, Tyler Warren, who was largely contained.”
Cory Thompson took a similar approach with an “A,” acknowledging the occasional gap but lauding Ohio State’s preparedness. “The team was clearly ready for Warren. The defense adjusted well to Penn State’s attempts to get creative,” he remarked. Ohio State’s defensive line, led by Kaden McDonald and Tyleik Williams, smothered Penn State’s running game, allowing only modest ground yardage.
J.R. Rhoades went a step further, awarding an “A+.” He admired how the defensive line, especially McDonald, dominated at the goal line, keeping Penn State out of the end zone in pivotal moments. “Seeing McDonald push back the line three or four yards repeatedly was remarkable. That kind of defensive stand changed the game,” J.R. pointed out.
Final Thoughts
The podcast hosts agreed that Ohio State’s defense shined brightest in this matchup, with the offense showing flashes of potential, though turnovers tempered the final evaluation. The Buckeyes’ defensive display demonstrated a solid game plan and strong execution, while the offense showcased Howard’s leadership in adversity. This win provided valuable insights as Ohio State gears up for more challenging games ahead.
With teamwork and resilience on full display, The OHIO Podcast gave this performance high marks across the board, albeit with room to polish the offense further.
