With 5:31 left in the first quarter, the Buckeyes faced a 10-0 deficit, and I found myself sideline at Beaver Stadium surrounded by 111,000 Nittany Lions ready to be set free from the cage that has kept them prisoner for so long.
And then the Buckeyes didn’t look back, outscoring Penn State the remainder of the game 20-3 and silencing that once rowdy lion’s den.
For as much criticism as Ryan Day has received in the past couple of seasons, and rightfully so. He had a lot of moments on Saturday that made me feel good about the Buckeyes chances heading into the end of the regular season.
After that early interception by Will Howard, Day didn’t shy away from throwing the ball, in fact, he did the opposite on the next drive, allowing Howard to come right back out swinging, eventually leading to an Egbuka touchdown.
The next drive, another passing touchdown thrown by Howard to Brandon Innis. He showed his QB that he trusts him, and that confidence showed throughout the remainder of the afternoon as Howard made play after play, including the game winning rush to pick up the first down and secure the Buckeyes eighth straight victory against James Franklin and the Nittany Lions.
Saturday said a lot about this team and coaching staff. They showed a lot of characteristics you look for in a National Champion. If the newly formed offensive line continues to improve and they can run the ball like they did this past weekend, the rest of the nation should beware, the Buckeyes are coming.
This weekend is a much different opponent. Purdue has won one game all season long, against Indiana State to open the season. Since then, they have lost seven games in a row. The offense is below average, the defense is below average. After the past three games for Ohio State, they will be a welcomed opponent. I expect Judkins and Henderson to have a day, the offensive line to show more improvement, and for Jeremiah Smith to get back to snagging electric touchdowns. This one will be over before it really begins, the talent gap is just too glaringly obvious. Buckeyes by a million…or well realistically.
Ohio State 49 Purdue 3
