Eric Boggs
The Ohio State Buckeyes kicked off their season with a performance that had fans buzzing, as they earned solid grades on both sides of the ball. The Ohio Podcast hosts recently broke down the game, offering their letter grades for the offense and defense after the Buckeyes’ opening game. Here’s a look at their assessments.
Offensive Performance: B Grades Across the Board
The Buckeyes’ offense put up 234 passing yards and 170 rushing yards, totaling 404 yards on 6.3 yards per play. They secured 24 first downs and were 9 of 14 on third down. With a time of possession of just under 26 minutes and, most impressively, zero turnovers, the hosts had plenty to discuss.
Eric: “I gave the offense a B+. We started slow, probably around a C+ in the first half, but picked it up in the second half with an A performance. It averaged out to a B+ for me.”
Chris: “I went with a B. The nerves got them in the first quarter, but they steadily improved as the game went on. We can’t ignore that shaky start, but they turned it around in the second half.”
Cory: “I’m with Chris—solid B. It was a tale of two halves. The first half was rough, but they got into a rhythm in the second half. The passing game, particularly the connection to Carnell Tate, was beautiful to watch.”
All three hosts agreed that the offense has room for improvement, but the second-half resurgence was a positive sign. Jeremiah Smith’s impressive debut and Howard’s play, especially his ability to avoid sacks and make key plays, were major highlights.
Defensive Dominance: A Grades for a Lockdown Effort
On the defensive side, the Buckeyes were equally impressive, allowing only 177 total yards, including just 47 on the ground. The defense forced three turnovers and held the opposition to 4 of 16 on third down.
Eric: “I gave the defense an A. This was a dominant performance, exactly what we needed. They didn’t give up a touchdown, which was one of my predictions for the season. The defensive line was relentless, and Jim Knowles dialed up some great schemes.”
Cory: “It’s an A for me as well. Jim Knowles has completely turned this defense around. Jack Sawyer was a nightmare for the opposing quarterback, and the defensive line’s depth is scary. They were aggressive and played with confidence.”
Chris: “I’m also giving them an A. The defense only gave up three plays of more than 10 yards the entire game. They were flying around, making plays, and setting the tone. The aggressiveness was on full display.”
The podcast hosts were unanimous in their praise for the defense, noting that the unit’s depth and aggressiveness would be key factors throughout the season. They also highlighted the standout performances of players like Jack Sawyer, JT Tuimoloau, and Sonny Styles.
Final Thoughts
While the Buckeyes’ offense showed some first-game jitters, their second-half performance was encouraging. The defense, however, was the star of the show, showcasing a level of dominance that has fans excited for what’s to come. The hosts of The Ohio Podcast are confident that both units will continue to improve as the season progresses, setting the stage for a potentially special year in Columbus.
