Eric Boggs
Ohio State came away with another win against Northwestern, but it wasn’t without its share of ups and downs. The OHIO Podcast crew—Chris Wilds, Cory Thompson, and J.R. Rhodes—shared their thoughts and handed out letter grades for the Buckeyes’ offense and defense. Here’s how they evaluated the team’s performance on Saturday.
Offensive Grades: B to B+
Ohio State’s offense put up 420 total yards (247 passing, 173 rushing) at a rate of 7.4 yards per play, with 19 first downs. While these numbers reflect improvement over the season average, the unit struggled early, failing to score in the first quarter and trailing Northwestern in time of possession (28 minutes to 32). However, the Buckeyes found their rhythm as the game progressed.
Here’s how the OHIO Podcast hosts graded the offensive effort:
- Chris Wilds: B
Chris noted a “disappointing” first quarter but praised the offense for waking up and distributing the ball effectively. Running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Chip Trayanum (Q) split the workload evenly, showing balance in the run game. Still, the slow start was too glaring to overlook. - Cory Thompson: B+
Cory saw noticeable improvement in the offensive line, particularly from Donovan Jackson and Carson Hinzman. As the game wore on, Ohio State opened up running lanes and wore down the Wildcats. Cory appreciated the steady progression but acknowledged the offense needs to start faster. - J.R. Rhodes: B+
J.R. highlighted quarterback Will Howard’s solid performance, including key throws like the pass to G. Scott over the middle and a diving catch by freshman wideout Carnell Tate. He also pointed to officiating inconsistencies, such as the controversial Jeremiah Smith incompletion, as momentum-killers in the first half.
Defensive Grades: B- to
The Buckeyes’ defense allowed just 251 total yards (201 passing, 50 rushing) and 3.8 yards per play. Northwestern managed only one touchdown and turned the ball over once, but their offense controlled the first quarter. Ohio State’s defense rallied in the second half, tightening up and continuing their impressive red-zone performance.
Here’s what the hosts thought of the defense:
- Chris Wilds: B-
Chris expressed frustration with the defense’s slow start. He called the first quarter “very disappointing,” noting Northwestern’s success in controlling the game early. Despite a better second-half performance, Chris believes the defense cannot afford such lapses against stronger opponents. - Cory Thompson: B-
Cory agreed, describing the Buckeyes as being “blown off the ball” in the first quarter. He emphasized the importance of playing with physicality from the opening whistle, especially with tougher games ahead. While the defense improved after halftime, Cory felt the first 17 minutes were unacceptable. - J.R. Rhodes: B
J.R. offered a more optimistic perspective, pointing to Ohio State’s red-zone defense as a major bright spot. The Buckeyes held Northwestern scoreless on several key possessions, maintaining their status as one of the nation’s best in that area. However, J.R. also noted missed tackles and sack opportunities, which need to be cleaned up.
Key Takeaways
- Offense: Despite a slow start, the offense rebounded with balance and efficiency, producing 7.4 yards per play. Improved offensive line play and standout moments from Will Howard and Carnell Tate were positives, but the first quarter remains a concern.
- Defense: Ohio State’s defense dominated late but struggled early, particularly in the trenches. The Buckeyes continue to excel in the red zone, holding opponents to a scoring rate of just 51% inside the 20-yard line.
As the Buckeyes prepare for Indiana next week, it’s clear they’ll need to focus on consistency—starting faster on offense and avoiding slow starts on defense. Against tougher competition, these issues could prove costly. For now, Ohio State walks away with another win and valuable lessons to apply moving forward.
Stay tuned for more analysis and updates on the Buckeyes throughout the season.
