It wasn’t the prettiest win. Sometimes it was downright ugly. Especially when it came to red zone execution, some stupid penalties, and a fairly big special teams mistake. But when the Buckeyes had to make plays and show up in crunch time, that’s exactly what they did! Ohio State climbs to 7-0 on the season after a physical, hard-fought win over Penn State!
How’d they get it done? Let’s take a look at the Keys to Victory!
Silver Bullet Defense
I’ve liked Jim Knowles ever since he came to Columbus. But there have been plenty of times where his unit hasn’t played up to expectations. They’ve sometimes been inconsistent. But I would venture to say that today’s defensive performance might just be Ohio State’s best ever since he showed up almost two years ago.
The final score of this game is deceiving. Penn State never really threatened Ohio State. Yes the game was tight. But aside from a garbage time touchdown with 29 seconds left in the game, the Buckeyes pretty much controlled this one defensively. For those of you who didn’t think Ohio State was that dominant on defense, let me drop a few numbers.
Penn State only had 43 rushing yards.
They scored their only touchdown of the day with 29 seconds left in the game.
Minus the touchdown drive, Ohio State held Penn State quarterback Drew Allar to 118 passing yards.
And perhaps the most shocking statistic of them all: Penn State was a combined 2-19 on third down and fourth down.
I’ve already seen several Ohio State haters come out of the woodwork on Facebook saying that Penn State looked terrible. Seems like we have quite a few Captain Obvious clones in the house who also have no clue how football works.
The Nittany Lions looked as bad as they did because the Buckeyes played fantastic defense. Simple as that. Not giving credit where it’s due just makes people look stupid. This was a truly great defensive effort.
For all the Ohio State football games I have watched in over 27 years as a fan, there have been several great defensive performances. But I’d say this one ranks right up there with the best of them. It was unbelievable. For any Ohio State team to seriously compete for and win a National Championship, there has to be a great defense helping bolster the team. And this year’s Buckeyes have one of the best defensive units in the country from front to back.
If they continue playing like they did today, they can shut down anyone. They did it to Notre Dame. They did it to Penn State. And they can do it to Michigan and Georgia too. But consistency is the key.
Money Marv Strikes Again!
Joel Klatt called Marvin Harrison Jr. Maserati Marv. But no matter what you call him, he’s one of the best wideouts in the country. There have been times he’s been quiet this season. But on a day when both offenses struggled to execute, his play spoke volumes! He was the biggest weapon of the game for either team.
He finished the day with a career-high 11 catches for 162 yards and a touchdown. That touchdown was also the backbreaking play for a Penn State defense that came into the game as the top defense in the nation. But Marvin managed to find the open spot in the secondary, and take it to paydirt from 18 yards, effectively putting the final nail in Penn State’s coffin, as the score put Ohio State up 20-6 with around four minutes left.
The offense got after Penn State…sort of
I put that headline as a humorous take on this part of the game. Let’s face it: Their execution was below average at best. And horrible in the Red Zone. If they had been even above average in the Red Zone? The Buckeyes blow the doors off Penn State and win by three scores or more.
They need to really work on that part of things going forward. They have time. But they can’t do that against Michigan in a month. And certainly not in the Big Ten Championship Game or College Football Playoff if they make it. National Championship-winning teams execute down there in that part of the field. That’s what makes them dangerous.
But for all the poor execution on offense, Ohio State DID manage to rack up 365 total yards against the nation’s best defense. And perhaps more importantly, they controlled the ball for 34:24.
Drew Allar and Penn State were already coming into a hostile environment in the Horseshoe. They already had to play really well to have a chance. But when they were forced to sit on the sidelines for over half the game because the Buckeyes played keep away? That made things even tougher for Penn State. And at the end of the day, it was just too much to ask of them to overcome it. This was pure ball control offense.
I’m from Carey. We know a thing or two about that brand of football. Even though the Buckeyes struggled in a few areas on offense today, Ohio State controlled the ball really well and didn’t give Penn State many chances to hurt them today.
What’s Next?
Next up? The Buckeyes travel to Madison, Wisconsin and Camp Randall Stadium to face a Badgers team led by none other than longtime Buckeye Luke Fickell. I like Luke and respect him very much. He’s a true Buckeye through and through, even if he’s coaching up there now. I wouldn’t mind seeing him one day return home to Columbus if it’s in the cards. He’s a class act and a great head coach!
Next week, the Buckeyes will have to make him regret his decision to coach at a rival Big Ten School. I predict that one will be closer than people think. It’s always tough winning at Camp Randall.
But for now, Ohio State climbs to 7-0 and stays undefeated after an ugly but gutsy win over Penn State! GO BUCKS!
Statistical Leaders
Kyle McCord: 22-35, 286 yds., TD
Miyan Williams: 24 carries, 62 yds., TD
Marvin Harrison Jr.: 11 rec., 162 yds., TD
Source: ESPN
Picture Credit: clutchpoints.com
