The Buckeyes are still a work in progress, and they didn’t cover the spread against Youngstown State, but they did show marked improvement in some areas of the game as they improved to 2-0 on the season with a win over Youngstown State!
Unlike a lot of Ohio State fans, I’m still not panicking though. Yes, there is improvement to be made in every aspect of the game. But there always will be. With that being said though, what went well for the Buckeyes today? Let’s take a look at the Keys to Victory and find out!
Get into a good offensive rhythm early
The Buckeyes took a little time to get on track and didn’t light things up as fast as I would have liked. But McCord was a lot more efficient this week than last week. He didn’t force as many throws today, as he went 14-20 for 250 yards and three touchdowns.
While he certainly has room to grow as the season rolls on, McCord didn’t try to play “hero ball” like he did last week, waited for opportunities to present themselves, and then he let it fly. His connection with Marvin Harrison Jr. was the highlight of the day today. Harrison Jr. hauled in seven catches for 160 yards and two touchdowns. Even though we still should take things with a grain of salt because this was Youngstown State, it still boggles my mind how talented he is as a receiver. Barring any major injuries, he’s guaranteed to be a Top 5 Draft pick whenever he goes pro.
Do the little things right
Ohio State didn’t start off smooth when it came to penalties and mistakes, and they ended the game with six penalties for 65 yards. But as the game went on, they looked sharper, didn’t shoot themselves in the foot and took care of business. In college football it’s often expected that teams won’t make those unforced mistakes, but we often forget how influential penalties can be when it comes to knocking a team off schedule.
Bring the energy everywhere on the depth chart
This part of the game was pretty solid! Tommy Eichenberg led the way for the Buckeyes as expected, with six total tackles. Steele Chambers, Lathan Ransom, Jack Sawyer all chipped in. But overall I was just happy they prevented the big play for the most part after Youngstown State’s lone touchdown of the day, and the defense was swarming to the football, which is all you can ask for.
Up next for Ohio State? A matchup with Western Kentucky. I know people always say to take one game at a time, and Ohio State should certainly approach things that way. But if we’re being honest, the big one’s in South Bend in two weeks against Notre Dame. That will be the first true test of how good the Buckeyes can and will be. But for now, I’ll take another win on a Buckeye football Saturday! 2-0! GO BUCKS!
Statistical Leaders
Kyle McCord: 14-20, 258 yards, 3 TDs.
TreVeyon Henderson: 5 car., 56 yards, 2 TDs.
Marvin Harrison Jr.: 7 rec., 160 yards, 2 TDs
Source: ESPN
Picture Credit: thestreamable.com
