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LGHL Grumpy Old Buckeye: Ohio State vs. Youngstown State
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Grumpy Old Buckeye: Ohio State vs. Youngstown State
Michael Citro via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images
The most aggravating moments and plays from the Buckeyes’ 35-7 win over the Penguins at Ohio Stadium.
We quickly find ourselves two weeks into Ohio State’s 2023 football season, and although the Buckeyes showed some improvement in some areas in their 35-7 Week 2 win over Youngstown State, there’s still a sense that this year’s team has a much longer way to go than anticipated.
It is said that teams make their biggest jump between the first two games of the season, but in many ways, Saturday’s home victory over the FCS Penguins did not put to rest some of the unsettled feelings from the win at Indiana.
The following items were among those that had me shaking my head at the television on Saturday:
An unnecessary holding penalty on Carson Hinzman on what would have been a first down run by TreVeyon Henderson was an early irritation. Henderson went for nine yards on the game’s first play, then would have picked up the first down even without the hold. Hinzman turned a second-and-1 into a second-and-11 situation. The Buckeyes converted on third down, thanks to a 71-yard touchdown pass from Kyle McCord to Marvin Harrison Jr., but that penalty could easily have led to a three-and-out possession.
It was the first of three holding penalties on the day for Ohio State — two on the offensive line and one on blocking back Chip Trayanum that nullified a Miyan Williams touchdown run on a second-half possession that finished with a turnover on downs. That many holds in one game would be troubling against any opponent, but it’s especially aggravating that the Buckeyes committed these infractions against FCS competition.
For much of the game, the OSU defense showed a remarkable lack of intensity, in my view. Lesser opponents often bring out the best in a defense, as players tee off on smaller or less talented competition than they’re used to seeing. That was not the case on Saturday.
There was a shocking lack of disruption by the defensive line. Youngstown State seemed capable of picking up at least three yards on any given running play, and quarterback pressure rarely existed without bringing a linebacker. The entire defense looked disinterested on the first Youngstown State drive after Ohio State had grabbed the early 7-0 lead. This was highlighted by Cam Martinez getting roasted by an FCS receiver for a big play down the field.
Through two games, Ohio State’s defense has managed just two sacks and one takeaway against two of the weaker opponents it will face all season. Hopefully it’s just a slow start and not the start of a worrying trend that will get worse when the competition level improves.
After the Penguins tied the game on their first drive, the OSU offense sputtered with a three-and-out on the second Buckeye drive. Two plays quickly put Ohio State in a third-and-one situation and, once again, the Buckeyes called a stretch run into the boundary. This has been a disaster of a play call through two games already, and Josh Simmons exacerbated the one-yard loss by holding on the play.
Youngstown State, fearing Ryan Day would go for it on 4th-and-2, accepted the penalty, and it paid off when Kyle McCord’s pass to a not-very-open Emeka Egbuka was broken up. That brought out punter Jesse Mirco for the first of three times on the day. If you’d told me before this game that Ohio State would punt three times against an FCS opponent, I would not have believed you.
There isn’t much “special” in Ohio State’s special teams so far this season, and that continued Saturday. Egbuka’s punt-returning decisions are curious ones. On his first attempt, he lost three yards back to his own 7-yard line while trying to outrun the entire Youngstown State team laterally across the field. He could have planted and gone straight up the field after beating the first defender for a decent gain (and certainly a gain as opposed to a loss).
Even if the play was called for him to return it right, you’d hope your return man would be able to scan the field and adjust as needed. He also had multiple fair catches on what appeared to be very returnable punts.
(Editors Note: Parker Fleming. Just saying)
Marvin Harrison Jr. appeared to be set to pull in his third long touchdown reception of the day when he was interfered with in the end zone in obvious fashion. However, for whatever reason, it wasn’t called. Ohio State managed to score later in the drive anyway but the officials screwed that up initially as well.
On TreVeyon Henderson’s stretch into the end zone, it appeared obvious on television that the ball didn’t come out until his arm hit the ground in the end zone, but the game officials called it a fumble and had to overturn it after reviewing the replay. It was an adventurous day for the officiating crew, as it often is in college football, but those seemed to be two rather obvious ones that the crew couldn’t handle.
Henderson actually scored his touchdown twice, because Simmons ruined his first one by taking a personal foul penalty for illegal hands to the face. It was the second double-digit yardage penalty by the left tackle on the day. Henderson’s burst from 17 yards out was an impressive run that deserved to be rewarded. He did it again moments later from 13 yards out, and Simmons’ hands came dangerously close to repeating the mistake on the one that (eventually) counted.
It didn’t end up costing Ohio State, but it was irritating to see seemingly half the defense jump offside on a third-and-6 play on Youngstown State’s first possession after Henderson’s touchdown. It turned a long-yardage situation into a more manageable third-and-1, but Mitch Davidson threw three incompletions to stall the drive. Had Youngstown State run the football straight ahead, the way Ohio State’s defense played on Saturday, the Penguins likely would have extended their drive. Instead, it became one of just three three-and-outs on the day forced by the OSU defense.
I was eager to see what the offense would look like in the hurry-up, and Ohio State took over the ball at its own 37-yard line with 1:56 remaining in the first half. McCord got the drive off to a good start with a completion to Henderson for 13 yards to reach midfield. But then the wheels fell off the drive.
McCord led Henderson too much on first down, and the receiver was unable to get his foot down in bounds on the sideline catch. The second-down play was a rare drop by Harrison on a well-thrown ball. On the third-and-long play, McCord appeared to bail on his pocket earlier than necessary and decided to try to run for it. He didn’t get very far. McCord picked up just one yard before being tackled, bringing the possession to an end.
Ohio State has been money in the two-minute drill over the last several years, so it was disappointing to see it sputter, particularly with perhaps the team’s most talented player making a rare mistake.
Youngstown State got the ball to start the second half and quickly picked up two first downs with some short runs and passes. But then a sack by Tommy Eichenberg set the Penguins back. In fact, it could have been a huge play by the defense, because Eichenberg forced a Davidson fumble on the play, but Ohio State was unable to recover.
Things got worse for the Penguins when they took a delay-of-game penalty prior to their next snap, putting the visitors in a second-and-22 situation. The Buckeyes should have been in a great position to thwart the drive right there and then. However, a 14-yard Davidson pass to Bryce Oliver beat Davison Igbinosun and gave YSU a manageable third-and-8 situation.
A Beau Brungard pass on third down went 14 yards as Youngstown State converted. The drive was eventually thwarted due to a fantastic interception in the end zone by Denzel Burke, but that set of downs did not cover the defense in glory with the starters still on the field.
I could go on about this game, but I won’t. While I didn’t expect the Buckeyes to hang 70 points on the Penguins, I did expect a wider margin of victory, much like Penn State had against Delaware. There were other points left on the field, such as Devin Brown’s egregious overthrow to a wide-open Carnell Tate in the end zone.
There were obviously some good things, too. McCord looked much more comfortable in Week 2, with only six incompletions — one of which was Harrison’s drop. He clearly is the better quarterback at this point. Burke continued his rebirth with another outstanding game. Sonny Styles and Michael Hall Jr. looked good, and should probably never come off the field unless they ask to.
What bothered you about the game? Let me know in the comments section below.
Continue reading...
Michael Citro via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images
The most aggravating moments and plays from the Buckeyes’ 35-7 win over the Penguins at Ohio Stadium.
We quickly find ourselves two weeks into Ohio State’s 2023 football season, and although the Buckeyes showed some improvement in some areas in their 35-7 Week 2 win over Youngstown State, there’s still a sense that this year’s team has a much longer way to go than anticipated.
It is said that teams make their biggest jump between the first two games of the season, but in many ways, Saturday’s home victory over the FCS Penguins did not put to rest some of the unsettled feelings from the win at Indiana.
The following items were among those that had me shaking my head at the television on Saturday:
Stop Holding
An unnecessary holding penalty on Carson Hinzman on what would have been a first down run by TreVeyon Henderson was an early irritation. Henderson went for nine yards on the game’s first play, then would have picked up the first down even without the hold. Hinzman turned a second-and-1 into a second-and-11 situation. The Buckeyes converted on third down, thanks to a 71-yard touchdown pass from Kyle McCord to Marvin Harrison Jr., but that penalty could easily have led to a three-and-out possession.
It was the first of three holding penalties on the day for Ohio State — two on the offensive line and one on blocking back Chip Trayanum that nullified a Miyan Williams touchdown run on a second-half possession that finished with a turnover on downs. That many holds in one game would be troubling against any opponent, but it’s especially aggravating that the Buckeyes committed these infractions against FCS competition.
Silver… Bullets?
For much of the game, the OSU defense showed a remarkable lack of intensity, in my view. Lesser opponents often bring out the best in a defense, as players tee off on smaller or less talented competition than they’re used to seeing. That was not the case on Saturday.
There was a shocking lack of disruption by the defensive line. Youngstown State seemed capable of picking up at least three yards on any given running play, and quarterback pressure rarely existed without bringing a linebacker. The entire defense looked disinterested on the first Youngstown State drive after Ohio State had grabbed the early 7-0 lead. This was highlighted by Cam Martinez getting roasted by an FCS receiver for a big play down the field.
Through two games, Ohio State’s defense has managed just two sacks and one takeaway against two of the weaker opponents it will face all season. Hopefully it’s just a slow start and not the start of a worrying trend that will get worse when the competition level improves.
Lack of Response
After the Penguins tied the game on their first drive, the OSU offense sputtered with a three-and-out on the second Buckeye drive. Two plays quickly put Ohio State in a third-and-one situation and, once again, the Buckeyes called a stretch run into the boundary. This has been a disaster of a play call through two games already, and Josh Simmons exacerbated the one-yard loss by holding on the play.
Youngstown State, fearing Ryan Day would go for it on 4th-and-2, accepted the penalty, and it paid off when Kyle McCord’s pass to a not-very-open Emeka Egbuka was broken up. That brought out punter Jesse Mirco for the first of three times on the day. If you’d told me before this game that Ohio State would punt three times against an FCS opponent, I would not have believed you.
Ordinary Teams
There isn’t much “special” in Ohio State’s special teams so far this season, and that continued Saturday. Egbuka’s punt-returning decisions are curious ones. On his first attempt, he lost three yards back to his own 7-yard line while trying to outrun the entire Youngstown State team laterally across the field. He could have planted and gone straight up the field after beating the first defender for a decent gain (and certainly a gain as opposed to a loss).
Even if the play was called for him to return it right, you’d hope your return man would be able to scan the field and adjust as needed. He also had multiple fair catches on what appeared to be very returnable punts.
(Editors Note: Parker Fleming. Just saying)
Inexcusable Non-Call
Marvin Harrison Jr. appeared to be set to pull in his third long touchdown reception of the day when he was interfered with in the end zone in obvious fashion. However, for whatever reason, it wasn’t called. Ohio State managed to score later in the drive anyway but the officials screwed that up initially as well.
On TreVeyon Henderson’s stretch into the end zone, it appeared obvious on television that the ball didn’t come out until his arm hit the ground in the end zone, but the game officials called it a fumble and had to overturn it after reviewing the replay. It was an adventurous day for the officiating crew, as it often is in college football, but those seemed to be two rather obvious ones that the crew couldn’t handle.
Simmons’ Second Infraction
Henderson actually scored his touchdown twice, because Simmons ruined his first one by taking a personal foul penalty for illegal hands to the face. It was the second double-digit yardage penalty by the left tackle on the day. Henderson’s burst from 17 yards out was an impressive run that deserved to be rewarded. He did it again moments later from 13 yards out, and Simmons’ hands came dangerously close to repeating the mistake on the one that (eventually) counted.
Getting Jumpy
It didn’t end up costing Ohio State, but it was irritating to see seemingly half the defense jump offside on a third-and-6 play on Youngstown State’s first possession after Henderson’s touchdown. It turned a long-yardage situation into a more manageable third-and-1, but Mitch Davidson threw three incompletions to stall the drive. Had Youngstown State run the football straight ahead, the way Ohio State’s defense played on Saturday, the Penguins likely would have extended their drive. Instead, it became one of just three three-and-outs on the day forced by the OSU defense.
Two-Minute Foibles
I was eager to see what the offense would look like in the hurry-up, and Ohio State took over the ball at its own 37-yard line with 1:56 remaining in the first half. McCord got the drive off to a good start with a completion to Henderson for 13 yards to reach midfield. But then the wheels fell off the drive.
McCord led Henderson too much on first down, and the receiver was unable to get his foot down in bounds on the sideline catch. The second-down play was a rare drop by Harrison on a well-thrown ball. On the third-and-long play, McCord appeared to bail on his pocket earlier than necessary and decided to try to run for it. He didn’t get very far. McCord picked up just one yard before being tackled, bringing the possession to an end.
Ohio State has been money in the two-minute drill over the last several years, so it was disappointing to see it sputter, particularly with perhaps the team’s most talented player making a rare mistake.
Oh, Come On!
Youngstown State got the ball to start the second half and quickly picked up two first downs with some short runs and passes. But then a sack by Tommy Eichenberg set the Penguins back. In fact, it could have been a huge play by the defense, because Eichenberg forced a Davidson fumble on the play, but Ohio State was unable to recover.
Things got worse for the Penguins when they took a delay-of-game penalty prior to their next snap, putting the visitors in a second-and-22 situation. The Buckeyes should have been in a great position to thwart the drive right there and then. However, a 14-yard Davidson pass to Bryce Oliver beat Davison Igbinosun and gave YSU a manageable third-and-8 situation.
A Beau Brungard pass on third down went 14 yards as Youngstown State converted. The drive was eventually thwarted due to a fantastic interception in the end zone by Denzel Burke, but that set of downs did not cover the defense in glory with the starters still on the field.
I could go on about this game, but I won’t. While I didn’t expect the Buckeyes to hang 70 points on the Penguins, I did expect a wider margin of victory, much like Penn State had against Delaware. There were other points left on the field, such as Devin Brown’s egregious overthrow to a wide-open Carnell Tate in the end zone.
There were obviously some good things, too. McCord looked much more comfortable in Week 2, with only six incompletions — one of which was Harrison’s drop. He clearly is the better quarterback at this point. Burke continued his rebirth with another outstanding game. Sonny Styles and Michael Hall Jr. looked good, and should probably never come off the field unless they ask to.
What bothered you about the game? Let me know in the comments section below.
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LGHL Column: Should Chip Trayanum be RB1?
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Column: Should Chip Trayanum be RB1?
Megan.Husslein via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images
There’s been more than a few rumblings about this...
Two games into the season, and there has still not been a solidified starting quarterback. Additionally, there has been no clear-cut starting running back. While the automatic assumption goes toward TreVeyon Henderson being RB1, some are saying that Chip Trayanum should be.
Entering this season, it seemed that Henderson would be atop the depth chart, with Miyan Williams being RB2 and Trayanum/Dallan Hayden being pretty much tied for RB3. So far, Hayden has zero rushing yards, and Evan Pryor hasn’t played.
Williams has rushed for 50 yards on 13 carries and scored two touchdowns. Trayanum has rushed for 77 yards on 14 carries, and Henderson leads the team with 103 yards on 17 carries and two TDs. Through these first two games, a different running back has proven to be pivotal. Williams scored twice against Indiana, and Henderson scored twice against Youngstown State. While Chip hasn’t scored, he has performed well when called upon.
Above are some of Trayanum’s runs against Indiana, showing off a few different skills that he has. He is an extremely versatile player. Trayanum is very agile as seen by the jump cut in the first part of the video. He’s also quick and has great hands, shown by the catch he made towards the end of the video. Yes, he’s still waiting on his first touchdown of the season, but his runs set up both of Ohio State’s rushing touchdowns against the Hoosiers.
However, I am not saying all of this to discount Henderson. Clearly, he had a good game on Saturday. He has proven that he is fully healthy as demonstrated by his hurdle in the second half, and his second touchdown where he juked two or three defenders on his way to the endzone.
Henderson’s longest run was the 30-yard touchdown and Trayanum’s was for 17 yards. Henderson also edges him out for yards per carry, as he is averaging 6.1, while Trayanum’s is at 5.5.
But, if you’re going off the eye test, some might say that Trayanum doesn’t get stuffed at the line of scrimmage as much as Henderson. The offensive line didn’t play great against Indiana, which is where Henderson failed to convert on a couple of third downs, but this is still something to take note of.
Both running backs are having a solid start to the season, in my opinion. I also don’t see a need to have a true RB1. Why declare one when you have multiple? I haven’t even brought Williams into this conversation, but he is right up there with them — he is just a different style of back. They all bring something valuable to the table, and it is nice to rotate them so that each of them can have fresh legs.
Overall, if the offensive line continues to improve, then the run game will improve too. I would like to see some more of Hayden and Pryor at some point, but for now, I am happy with what I’m seeing from the other three running backs.
Continue reading...
Megan.Husslein via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images
There’s been more than a few rumblings about this...
Two games into the season, and there has still not been a solidified starting quarterback. Additionally, there has been no clear-cut starting running back. While the automatic assumption goes toward TreVeyon Henderson being RB1, some are saying that Chip Trayanum should be.
Entering this season, it seemed that Henderson would be atop the depth chart, with Miyan Williams being RB2 and Trayanum/Dallan Hayden being pretty much tied for RB3. So far, Hayden has zero rushing yards, and Evan Pryor hasn’t played.
Williams has rushed for 50 yards on 13 carries and scored two touchdowns. Trayanum has rushed for 77 yards on 14 carries, and Henderson leads the team with 103 yards on 17 carries and two TDs. Through these first two games, a different running back has proven to be pivotal. Williams scored twice against Indiana, and Henderson scored twice against Youngstown State. While Chip hasn’t scored, he has performed well when called upon.
Above are some of Trayanum’s runs against Indiana, showing off a few different skills that he has. He is an extremely versatile player. Trayanum is very agile as seen by the jump cut in the first part of the video. He’s also quick and has great hands, shown by the catch he made towards the end of the video. Yes, he’s still waiting on his first touchdown of the season, but his runs set up both of Ohio State’s rushing touchdowns against the Hoosiers.
However, I am not saying all of this to discount Henderson. Clearly, he had a good game on Saturday. He has proven that he is fully healthy as demonstrated by his hurdle in the second half, and his second touchdown where he juked two or three defenders on his way to the endzone.
Henderson’s longest run was the 30-yard touchdown and Trayanum’s was for 17 yards. Henderson also edges him out for yards per carry, as he is averaging 6.1, while Trayanum’s is at 5.5.
But, if you’re going off the eye test, some might say that Trayanum doesn’t get stuffed at the line of scrimmage as much as Henderson. The offensive line didn’t play great against Indiana, which is where Henderson failed to convert on a couple of third downs, but this is still something to take note of.
Both running backs are having a solid start to the season, in my opinion. I also don’t see a need to have a true RB1. Why declare one when you have multiple? I haven’t even brought Williams into this conversation, but he is right up there with them — he is just a different style of back. They all bring something valuable to the table, and it is nice to rotate them so that each of them can have fresh legs.
Overall, if the offensive line continues to improve, then the run game will improve too. I would like to see some more of Hayden and Pryor at some point, but for now, I am happy with what I’m seeing from the other three running backs.
Continue reading...
LGHL Hangout in the Holy Land Podcast: The sky is not falling, but we at least know where the umbrella is...
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Hangout in the Holy Land Podcast: The sky is not falling, but we at least know where the umbrella is...
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Lori Schmidt / Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
We discuss a second consecutive “meh” performance by the Buckeyes which should lead to questions and concerns.
The latest episode of Land-Grant Holy Land’s flagship podcast is here! Join LGHL’s Josh Dooley and Chuck Holmes as they discuss Ohio State football, recruiting, and much, much more! Come for the hot takes, stay for the warm ones.
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
On this episode of “Hangout in the Holy Land,” Josh and Chuck go back and forth on a divisive Ohio State victory over FCS Youngstown State. Sure, a win is a win, but there are admittedly some questions and concerns emanating from The Shoe.
The Buckeyes defeated the Youngstown StateFighting Tressels Penguins in Week 2, however, OSU’s run game looked shaky, and their defense failed to create pressure — both for a second consecutive week. Is this Ryan Day’s team working out some kinks and/or playing tight? Or is it something a bit more troubling?
On a much more positive note, Kyle McCord seems to have taken ownership of the QB position, which could go a long way in solving some of the Buckeyes’ early season issues. The hosts discuss McCord’s Week 2 improvements, while also celebrating the return of Marvin the Martian (Harrison Jr.) and giving kudos to a stingy defense.
Overall, the guys are cautiously optimistic and eager to see what Day and company cook up in the next few weeks.
Please make sure to like, rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast! And as always, Go Bucks!
Connect with the pod
Twitter: @HolyLandPod
Connect with Josh Dooley
Twitter: @jdooleybuckeye
Connect with Chuck Holmes
Twitter: @ctholmes3
Continue reading...
Josh Dooley via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Lori Schmidt / Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
We discuss a second consecutive “meh” performance by the Buckeyes which should lead to questions and concerns.
The latest episode of Land-Grant Holy Land’s flagship podcast is here! Join LGHL’s Josh Dooley and Chuck Holmes as they discuss Ohio State football, recruiting, and much, much more! Come for the hot takes, stay for the warm ones.
Listen to the episode and subscribe:
Subscribe: RSS | Apple | Spotify | Google Podcasts | iHeart Radio
On this episode of “Hangout in the Holy Land,” Josh and Chuck go back and forth on a divisive Ohio State victory over FCS Youngstown State. Sure, a win is a win, but there are admittedly some questions and concerns emanating from The Shoe.
The Buckeyes defeated the Youngstown State
On a much more positive note, Kyle McCord seems to have taken ownership of the QB position, which could go a long way in solving some of the Buckeyes’ early season issues. The hosts discuss McCord’s Week 2 improvements, while also celebrating the return of Marvin the Martian (Harrison Jr.) and giving kudos to a stingy defense.
Overall, the guys are cautiously optimistic and eager to see what Day and company cook up in the next few weeks.
Please make sure to like, rate, review, and subscribe to the podcast! And as always, Go Bucks!
Connect with the pod
Twitter: @HolyLandPod
Connect with Josh Dooley
Twitter: @jdooleybuckeye
Connect with Chuck Holmes
Twitter: @ctholmes3
Continue reading...
LGHL Chris Olave shows out, Denzel Wards shuts down Ja’Marr Chase
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Chris Olave shows out, Denzel Wards shuts down Ja’Marr Chase
Gene Ross via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images
A look at how the former Buckeyes fared in the first weekend of NFL action.
With the NFL season finally getting underway this past weekend, we once again got a chance to see a large group of former Buckeyes dominating at the next level. On both offense and defense, Ohio State players can be found on nearly every team across the league. Let’s check out how the guys did in Week 1 of the new campaign.
Olave had the biggest performance of the day by former Buckeyes, hauling in eight catches for a team-high 112 yards in the New Orleans Saints’ 16-15 win over the Titans.
A finally healthy Michael Thomas got a chance to catch passes from new Saints quarterback Derek Carr alongside Olave, snagging five passes for 65 yards, including this impressive grab down the sideline.
On the defensive side of the ball, Marshon Lattimore added to a strong showing of former Buckeyes in New Orleans with an interception. The Lattimore-led Saints secondary picked off Titans QB Ryan Tannehill three times.
Matched up against one of the best wide receivers in the league in Ja’Marr Chase, Denzel Ward locked up the star pass-catcher. The two-time Pro Bowl corner held Chase to just 39 yards on five catches as his primary defender, as the Browns beat up on the Bengals, 24-3. Joe Burrow passed for only 82 yards against Ward and the Cinci defense.
Coming in to replace an injured Jack Conklin, Dawand Jones performed admirably at tackle. Jones had somewhat of an advantage going up against Sam Hubbard in his first NFL action, as he knows a thing or two about Larry Johnson’s bag of tricks that Hubbard brought with him from Ohio State.
Speaking of Hubbard, the former Buckeye defensive lineman had a strong showing despite the Bengals’ big loss. Hubbard finished the afternoon tied for second on the team with eight total tackles, including three solo stops. Hubbard was named one of Cincinnati’s captains prior to the season.
Even with Aaron Rodgers gone, the Packers continue to own the Bears, with Jordan Love leading Green Bay to a 38-20 win in Chicago. It was not for lack of trying from Justin Fields, who threw 216 yards with a touchdown and an interception while also rushing for another 59 yards (a team-high) as he ran for his left for much of the afternoon behind some shoddy blocking. It wasn’t his best performance by any means, but the Bears defense really let him down.
Despite not getting much help from his offensive line or the skill talent around him, Stroud put together a strong performance in his first career NFL start. The former Ohio State quarterback passed for 242 yards while also rushing for 20 yards on four carries. He was sacked five times, but did not throw an interception in his debut. Of the top three QBs selected in the 2023 NFL Draft, Stroud passed for more yards than both Bryce Young and Anthony Richardson, and was also the only one of the trio to not throw a pick.
New Washington quarterback Sam Howell has the benefit of tossing to a pair of former Ohio State receivers — and good ones at that in Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel. Samuel led the way through the air for the Commanders with five catches for 54 yards, while McLaurin caught two balls for 31 yards as the home team secured a 20-16 win over the Cardinals. McLaurin being out there already is a great sign, as the star wideout was thought to miss some time with a foot injury.
It was a quiet debut for the first-round draft pick, as Jaxon Smith-Njigba totaled three catches for 13 yards in his season debut. However, like McLaurin, it was good just to see JSN back on the field. Smith-Njigba had wrist surgery two weeks ago, and was back on the field for the Seahawk’s first game of the year. His first career catch moved the sticks.
It wasn’t a huge performance for Zeke in his first game as a Patriot, but he would wind up leading the Patriots on the ground with 29 yards despite receiving only seven carries. Of note, he did also fumble the football. Elliott will continue to split carries with Rhamondre Stevenson, but with the way the Pats use their running backs, there will definitely be opportunities for Zeke to make an impact.
Of course, we can’t discuss former Buckeyes in the league without mentioning the sad news of the day. After scoring the Ravens’ first touchdown of the season on a great dive into the end zone, J.K. Dobbins got his ankle rolled up on later in the game and was helped to the locker room. It was later announced that he suffered a torn Achilles, and will now miss the entire 2023 season. In the last year of his rookie deal, Dobbins has struggled to stay healthy, and this injury is brutal for a guy who was looking for a breakout season.
Continue reading...
Gene Ross via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here
Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images
A look at how the former Buckeyes fared in the first weekend of NFL action.
With the NFL season finally getting underway this past weekend, we once again got a chance to see a large group of former Buckeyes dominating at the next level. On both offense and defense, Ohio State players can be found on nearly every team across the league. Let’s check out how the guys did in Week 1 of the new campaign.
Saints — Chris Olave, Michael Thomas, Marshon Lattimore
Olave had the biggest performance of the day by former Buckeyes, hauling in eight catches for a team-high 112 yards in the New Orleans Saints’ 16-15 win over the Titans.
A finally healthy Michael Thomas got a chance to catch passes from new Saints quarterback Derek Carr alongside Olave, snagging five passes for 65 yards, including this impressive grab down the sideline.
On the defensive side of the ball, Marshon Lattimore added to a strong showing of former Buckeyes in New Orleans with an interception. The Lattimore-led Saints secondary picked off Titans QB Ryan Tannehill three times.
Browns — Denzel Ward, Dawand Jones
Matched up against one of the best wide receivers in the league in Ja’Marr Chase, Denzel Ward locked up the star pass-catcher. The two-time Pro Bowl corner held Chase to just 39 yards on five catches as his primary defender, as the Browns beat up on the Bengals, 24-3. Joe Burrow passed for only 82 yards against Ward and the Cinci defense.
Coming in to replace an injured Jack Conklin, Dawand Jones performed admirably at tackle. Jones had somewhat of an advantage going up against Sam Hubbard in his first NFL action, as he knows a thing or two about Larry Johnson’s bag of tricks that Hubbard brought with him from Ohio State.
Bengals — Sam Hubbard
Speaking of Hubbard, the former Buckeye defensive lineman had a strong showing despite the Bengals’ big loss. Hubbard finished the afternoon tied for second on the team with eight total tackles, including three solo stops. Hubbard was named one of Cincinnati’s captains prior to the season.
Bears — Justin Fields
Even with Aaron Rodgers gone, the Packers continue to own the Bears, with Jordan Love leading Green Bay to a 38-20 win in Chicago. It was not for lack of trying from Justin Fields, who threw 216 yards with a touchdown and an interception while also rushing for another 59 yards (a team-high) as he ran for his left for much of the afternoon behind some shoddy blocking. It wasn’t his best performance by any means, but the Bears defense really let him down.
Texans — CJ Stroud
Despite not getting much help from his offensive line or the skill talent around him, Stroud put together a strong performance in his first career NFL start. The former Ohio State quarterback passed for 242 yards while also rushing for 20 yards on four carries. He was sacked five times, but did not throw an interception in his debut. Of the top three QBs selected in the 2023 NFL Draft, Stroud passed for more yards than both Bryce Young and Anthony Richardson, and was also the only one of the trio to not throw a pick.
Commanders — Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel
New Washington quarterback Sam Howell has the benefit of tossing to a pair of former Ohio State receivers — and good ones at that in Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel. Samuel led the way through the air for the Commanders with five catches for 54 yards, while McLaurin caught two balls for 31 yards as the home team secured a 20-16 win over the Cardinals. McLaurin being out there already is a great sign, as the star wideout was thought to miss some time with a foot injury.
Seahawks — Jaxon Smith-Njigba
It was a quiet debut for the first-round draft pick, as Jaxon Smith-Njigba totaled three catches for 13 yards in his season debut. However, like McLaurin, it was good just to see JSN back on the field. Smith-Njigba had wrist surgery two weeks ago, and was back on the field for the Seahawk’s first game of the year. His first career catch moved the sticks.
Patriots — Ezekiel Elliott
It wasn’t a huge performance for Zeke in his first game as a Patriot, but he would wind up leading the Patriots on the ground with 29 yards despite receiving only seven carries. Of note, he did also fumble the football. Elliott will continue to split carries with Rhamondre Stevenson, but with the way the Pats use their running backs, there will definitely be opportunities for Zeke to make an impact.
Ravens — J.K. Dobbins
Of course, we can’t discuss former Buckeyes in the league without mentioning the sad news of the day. After scoring the Ravens’ first touchdown of the season on a great dive into the end zone, J.K. Dobbins got his ankle rolled up on later in the game and was helped to the locker room. It was later announced that he suffered a torn Achilles, and will now miss the entire 2023 season. In the last year of his rookie deal, Dobbins has struggled to stay healthy, and this injury is brutal for a guy who was looking for a breakout season.
JK Dobbins Touchdownpic.twitter.com/MznMIB45s0
— Barstool Ohio State (@BarstoolOSU) September 10, 2023
Still to play on Monday —
- Garrett Wilson (Jets)
- Jeremy Ruckert (Jets)
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