Eric Boggs
Ohio State fans got a real show this past Saturday in the Buckeyes’ gritty victory over Penn State. With some big plays and a few too-close-for-comfort moments, there’s plenty to unpack. Let’s dive into the good, the bad, and the ugly from this game and what it reveals about Ohio State’s season so far.
The Good
1. Dominant Defense
Ohio State’s defense was the star of the show, holding Penn State in check and denying them a touchdown yet again under Jim Knowles’ watch. Knowles seems to have figured out Penn State’s offensive coordinator, as this marks the second time his defense has stymied them. Ohio State’s defense controlled the line of scrimmage, stifled Penn State’s run game, and kept top weapons like tight end Tyler Warren under wraps. This defensive performance shows how much Ohio State has progressed and suggests they’re primed for future tests.
2. Will Howard’s Leadership
Though Will Howard made a few mistakes, his leadership on the field was undeniable. His ability to let errors roll off and rally his teammates was pivotal during Ohio State’s final drive to seal the game. Watching him hype up the team in the huddle before that critical drive speaks volumes about the respect he commands. Howard’s resilience and competitive fire are qualities every Buckeye fan can appreciate.
3. New Offensive Line Look
After Zen Michalski’s struggles against Nebraska, Ohio State was forced to adjust their O-line. The new arrangement, featuring Donnie Jackson at left tackle and Carson Hinzman at left guard, gave the offense a much-needed boost. Facing one of the Big Ten’s top defenses on the road, Jackson held his own admirably, even though he was up against Penn State’s standout Abdul Carter. This setup appears to be a solid foundation for Ohio State’s offense going forward.
4. Selfless Running Backs
Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson embody the ultimate team-first mentality. These guys aren’t just about rushing yards; they block hard and make sacrifices to keep each other fresh. Their hard-nosed approach to blocking during key runs, especially when sealing the game, was crucial. It’s rare to find running backs so committed to the team above personal stats, and Ohio State is fortunate to have such selfless talent in the backfield.
5. Coaching Staff Excellence
The coaching staff, often a point of contention among fans, had one of its best showings of the season. Ryan Day’s game management, particularly his use of timeouts, was smart and timely. Adjustments on both sides of the ball showed Ohio State came in with a focused game plan and executed it well. Day’s decision-making continues to evolve as he balances managing the team without being the play-caller, and it’s starting to pay off.
The Bad
1. Missed Tackles and QB Pressure
Ohio State’s tackling was inconsistent, especially in the early parts of the game. Missed sacks and tackles on kick returns gave Penn State more field position than they should have had. Against a stronger offense, those mistakes can become costly.
The Buckeyes also struggled to create pressure without resorting to creative blitzes. While players like JT Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer made solid contributions, Ohio State lacks a true “closer” on the edge who can consistently win one-on-one battles. As it stands, they’ll need to rely on complex blitz packages to generate the pressure they need, which could be a challenge against elite teams down the line.
2. Handling Quarterback Scrambles
Containing Penn State’s quarterback runs was an issue. While Ohio State’s defensive focus was on bottling up the run game and top weapons, this gave Drew Allar some space to make plays on the ground. Facing a truly mobile quarterback in the future could pose a challenge if Ohio State doesn’t find a way to close these lanes.
3. Deep Pass Timing
Timing on deep passes remains a work in progress. Howard’s deep shots to receivers like Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate were mistimed, missing what could have been game-breaking touchdowns. Timing issues have plagued this aspect of Ohio State’s offense all season. While it’s improving, it’s unclear if it will reach peak performance this season, especially given Howard’s short tenure as the starter.
The Ugly
1. Costly Mistakes from Will Howard
Howard’s overall leadership shined, but two critical errors could have altered the game’s outcome. A pick-six thrown to Penn State’s slot corner seemed to come from a rushed read, and a fumble at the goal line, which led to a Penn State touchback, killed a promising drive. Those 14 points left on the board due to these turnovers are simply too much against top-tier teams. Howard must learn from these mistakes to avoid making similar errors in high-stakes situations.
Takeaways
Ohio State’s win over Penn State revealed both strengths and areas to address. The defense continues to be a reliable backbone, showing consistency and discipline, and Will Howard’s leadership provides hope for offensive resilience. The O-line changes and the selflessness of the running backs are signs of a team that’s all-in on reaching its potential.
But Ohio State has its work cut out to stay competitive against the nation’s elite. The team must clean up its tackling, refine the deep passing game, and find more efficient ways to pressure opposing quarterbacks. Howard’s mistakes need to be addressed, though his overall composure and leadership give reason for optimism.
Ohio State fans can be proud of this win, but there’s still work to be done before the Buckeyes are playoff-ready. As they gear up to face Purdue, there’s hope that these remaining kinks can be ironed out in time for the bigger tests to come.
Go Bucks!
