Buckeye Bits: Jimmy Sotos out for tonight’s game, ESPN’s Mel Kiper, Todd McShay think Justin Fields should stay at Ohio State, more
Tia Johnston via our friends at Land-Grant Holy Land
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All of the latest Ohio State news from around the beat and beyond.

How we feeling Buckeye fans? Still mourning? Over it? Glad the season’s over? At least we beat Clemson? A little of everything? Look, this college football season was pure insanity, and the fact that the Buckeyes played football at all, let alone made it to the national championship, is pretty amazing.

Moving on. There isn’t a lot happening across the Ohio State beat (for once), so today’s round up is pretty short and sweet! So check out today’s headlines below, and then turn on Big Ten Network to catch the Ohio State men’s basketball team take on the Northwestern Wildcats at 7 p.m. ET!

From around Land-Grant Holy Land...

From around the gridiron...


Heading into the national championship game, Thayer Munford had 224 pass-block snaps, two QB pressures allowed and zero sacks allowed, earning him the fourth-highest grade in PFF’s rankings of Big Ten OT seasons.


Let’s not dwell on the past and, instead, direct our gaze to the future. Because friends, the future is oh so bright in Columbus. Keep an eye on some of the Buckeyes’ rising stars, including an extremely talented group of freshmen wide receivers, linebacker Cody Simon, kicker Jake Seibert, safety Lathan Ransom, and many more who are expected to have much bigger roles come September.


Why does it feel like the 2020 NFL Draft was two days ago? It’s somehow time to reenter the world of mock drafts, and what better way to begin than with the ESPN draft expert himself, Todd McShay. In his latest mock draft, released on Jan. 7 before the national championship game, McShay has Shaun Wade going No. 13 to the Chargers, Justin Fields going No. 15 to the Patriots and Chris Olave with the No. 25 pick to the Jets. However, after the Buckeyes’ loss to Alabama, McShay adjusted his predictions. During his First Draft Podcast with Mel Kiper, McShay said Wade’s draft stock decreased:


Olave’s draft stock increased:


and Kiper said that Fields would benefit from staying another year:


Dabo: Not Over It.

From around the hardwood...


Both of Ohio State’s top point guards will be out in Wednesday’s game against Northwestern. It was announced Wednesday afternoon that senior guard Jimmy Sotos has been ruled out due to a shoulder injury, joining senior guard CJ Walker, who is out due to torn ligaments in his right hand.

From around the mat?...


Apparently we should keep our eyes and ears on Ohio State’s wrestling team, as the head coach just teased us all via Twitter on Wednesday afternoon.


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*apologies if this is retreading old ground - please merge as needed*

As unsatisfying as the result was this past Monday, by the final whistle I think we all knew that while this was a good OSU team - every now and then you're going to show down with a great team when you make it to that level of competition.

This lead me to wonder what is a realistic expectation for NC win rate is for the Buckeyes moving forward.

If I start this "era" at Tressel's hiring, we have 20 seasons worth of football. In that span, we have 2 national championships (10% win rate) and 11 B1G championships (55% win rate).

If I start this "era" at Urban's hiring, we have 10 seasons worth of football. In that span, we have 1 national championship (10% win rate) and 5 B1G championships (50% win rate).

It was shocking to me that we haven't technically been more successful in relative terms over the past 10 years vs the past 20 in terms of B1G and NC win rates. Granted I would argue there are more "great" teams in this past 10 years ('14, '15, '19, arguably '20) vs the first 10 years ('02, '05, '06) and more talent overall.

So that leads me to my question. Looking forward, what expectations do you think we should have for the Buckeyes?

My answer for whatever its worth. I think with how the program is trending, I think one title every five years is a good expectation (20% win rate) and we should be winning three out of five B1G at least (60% win rate).

While we were not better than Bama this year, it does sting a bit that we didn't win a title in this 2 year window with Fields. That would've kept us on pace to my mental model at least.

But who knows - next year all the top teams lose a lot and we may find ourselves right back in position.

Once the season is over I do a mass update of my Scholarship by Class chart to incorporate incoming Frosh and remove seniors.

https://sites.google.com/site/scholarshipbreakdown/home

Well.... this year that is interesting.

Without including any late signees, we are at 106 scholarship athletes - none of whom are obligated to leave. My understanding is that the NCAA will allow a higher number for 2021 but is looking at getting back to 85 in 2022.

Certainly we are going to lose some kids to the pros, both juniors and seniors. We will also have some transfers.

But at the moment we have 55 Freshmen. Those are classified as true Frosh (class of 2021), COVID Frosh (kids from the class of 2020 who may or may not have played this year) and Redshirt COVID Frosh (class of 2019 kids who Redshirted last year but will still be freshmen for a third consecutive year in 2021).

We have 20 defensive backs. Only one is a senior and he has already indicated he plans to return. Thirteen are freshmen.

We have 20 OL, 11 of whom are classified as Freshmen. Nine of our DL are Frosh.

This is not going to resolve itself by 2022.

In order to return to an 85 cap in two years the NCAA would have to dramatically reduce the number of incoming Frosh for 2022. This would not only create a challenge at the college level, it would be unfair to the HS kids graduating that year to a reduced number of available scholarships. Kids who have already had their lives turned upside down by COVID.

The issue is not the seniors who aren't leaving this season and who will be gone next year in any case. It is the combined 2020/2021 classes all of whom will have the eligibility of true Frosh beginning next season. For OSU that is 46 plus any late signees. The natural resolution of this will only happen over 4 or 5 years.

And OSU is arguably in a better situation than most schools as we have so many kids who leave after 3 years anyhow. For the Indianas and Wisconsins of the world it could get even trickier.

Flip side to the What Brands Are You Loyal To thread, what brands or companies will you never buy again?

Starting off the fun from my posts in the General Vexations thread...Samsung Appliances. Never again.

Abenaki said:

I don't know is there's an opposite to the "Brands You're Loyal To" thread...if there is I couldn't find it so I'm posting it here.

Samsung appliances. Holy shit are they complete and utter garbage. Don't ever ever ever ever ever ever ever ever EVER buy Samsung appliances.

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Abenaki said:

Update, as expected, we're out of warranty and have been directed by Samsung to call a local technician. We did that last time because what the fuck do I know about ovens? I won't be doing it again...we'd be close to $600 invested in the oven above and beyond the purchase price in just over 4 years. I'll order a $30 igniter off Amazon and see if that works, otherwise we'll put that money towards a brand that will last us more than 2 years.

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AuTX Buckeye said:

there should be a “Brands we hate/stay away form thread” because Samsung appliances would be at the top

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Northwestern faces tough test vs No. 21 Ohio State

Northwestern (6-4, 3-3) vs. No. 21 Ohio State (9-3, 3-3)

Value City Arena, Columbus, Ohio; Wednesday, 7 p.m. EST

BOTTOM LINE: No. 21 Ohio State presents a tough challenge for Northwestern. Northwestern has won two of its five games against ranked teams this season. Ohio State has moved up to No. 21 in the latest AP rankings following a win over Rutgers last week.

SENIOR STUDS: Ohio State has relied heavily on its seniors this year. Duane Washington Jr., Justice Sueing, Kyle Young and CJ Walker have combined to account for 54 percent of the team's scoring this year and 49 percent of all Buckeyes points over the last five games.

STREAK STATS: Ohio State has won its last six home games, scoring an average of 80.3 points while giving up 59.7.

Entire article: https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/preview?gameId=401263312

Please....PLEASE beat those arrogant inbreeds.

The fake championships they claim are bad enough. Real ones are even worse.

A good 80% their fan base can't find Tuscaloosa on a map, but act like they played for "da Bar".

Thank you in advance for your cooperation, and good luck.

Guess I’ll start it.

Game tips now. Bucks head to the RAC with Rutgers going for revenge. Get excited.

I took Rutgers -3.5

Miami we are coming! But we know not where to go. What bar or restaurant should we go watch the big game, where can we go to support our buckeyes or see the band? Any info anybody has on a pep rally or press conference, that sort of help would be very welcomed as we are going last minute and haven’t planned at all yet. Even a popular place to stay would be helpful. Whatever info on Miami festivities you got is welcomed. Thank you. We are Arriving Friday mid day and staying through Wednesday.

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in college football face off in what should be a great NC game in less than a week, hopefully.

Hello Buckeyes, I'm an Alabama fan and it's great to be here and it's great to have a chance to discuss this topic. I love stats like this and I'm sure many of you do also.

What better time to talk about things like this then when two titans are about to clash once again.

Here:

Alabama
957-322-44
.740 winning percentage. Best in nation.

Ohio State
943-326-53
.733

is how it stands as we type to each other.

Notre Dame and Michigan round out the Top 4. Boise State not included because Boise State. Ohio State is not only second best in winning percentage, all time, but I feel they are also right behind Alabama as the second best college football team to ever exist, edging out ND.

Good luck on Monday and I hope all of you have a good week and stay in good health.

Just to make the 2020 game a little sweeter, or if you archive games. Sorry it took SOOO LONG to post this, I could not bring myself to do it until now.

The voting has been done since before the bowl games, and the ‘show’ is tomorrow night.

This is unofficial, and just my best guess, but I don’t think I need to see the show to predict these results.

1. Devonta Smith, Bama
2. Mac Jones, Bama
3. Barbie, aka Trevor Lawrence, Clemson
4. Kyle Trask, Florida

They have released the results of those 5th through 10th:

CBS

7th place - Justin Fields

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Okay guys...I didn't know where to post this with all that I'm reading, so here goes...

I wanna know - what freaking secret sauce y'all usin? Can I get the recipe?

What do I mean? Look at the last couple weeks for you all. How?!?

B1G Changes rules (honestly, don't know why Hoosiers thought it would be any different) to get you all another conference championship.
Dabo's team plungered.
Titty Bar Tom Fired.
Simplllllle Jim gets a long term contract extension after repeated plungerings.

How in the hell can I be down with the secret sauce?!? Y'all gonna bottle it and sell that ish?

Damn, ya'll - 2021 only 3 days in and y'all having a Merry 2021 Christmas already....

Semifinal Fun!

Not sure the legitimacy of this but I thought I’ve heard that Josh Myers is the type that could stick around longer than some might suspect. If so, the idea of the O Line next year is very encouraging.

NPF/PJ
Miller
Myers
D Jones or M Jones
NPF/PJ

Obviously there are options and I’m not an expert on where guys would be, ie: NPF staying at RT or moving over, etc. Also, the Jones battle at OG would be interesting, etc.

What’s exciting about Myers return would be the continued leadership at the all important C position and how it allows Miller to continue his development.

I have to imagine Josh will go and get paid and, Miller sliding to C would settle the Jones/Jones debate. But if Josh comes back then.......wow. You bring in a new QB and the 2 young RBs behind a lot of stability.

(Reuterrs) Citing "clear irregularities" and "widepsread fraud" Clemson Coach Dabo Swinney has filed suit in Circuit court looking to overturn Ohio State's Sugar Bowl victory over Clemson. "There was fraud everywhere" Swinney told the Clemson Post and Courier, "we're the best football team in the country, it's impossible that we lost by 3 Touchdowns to the 11th best team, it's common sense." Senator Lindsey Graham (R, SC) filed suit on behalf of Clemson in South Carolina's 3rd Circuit Court looking to remove 4 TDs by Ohio State that appeared to "no way in hell happened".
Reaction was swift. Tiger fans took to social media supporting Swinney. On Twitter: "I dun seen a dead guy score a TD in the 3rd qwarter" posted "Clemson #1 Fan". "GoTigers1346579 added "We can't have them win, they're un Amricun and dangeros"
Elected officials weighed in as well. Ohio Governor Mike Dewine (R) told the Columbus Dispatch that there were procedures and protocols in place to prevent irregularities from happening. "The referees were vetted by both sides before the contest. Plus, the thing was televised" a clearly perplexed Dewine remarked. When asked about the suit President Trump said "it's clear Clemson lost, they need to get over it"

Saw them beat Bama in New Orleans 2014 and want to witness another victory! Airfare and hotel booked - just need a ticket! Let me know if you have a spare...

So the season was postponed, then cancelled, then reduced to 8 regular conference games.

Then Covid wiped out games against Maryland and Illinois.

The asinine B1G 6-game rule was looming to keep tOSU out of the CCG.

Then TTUN wimped out of The Game.

Then NW’ern made the Buckeye offense look limited until Sermon preached.

And then the CFP Committee arranged the matchup to exact revenge on Dabo and Barbie.

And just like EVERYBODY expected all year long:

THE Ohio State Buckeyes get a shot at #1 Bama with a Natty on the line!

Go Bucks!

Earned! Buckeyes Selected For Playoff Matchup Against A Familiar Foe Clemson
Richard Tongohan via our good friends at Men of the Scarlet and Gray
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

We made it Buckeye Nation! We got the matchup against the team that we wanted and in an odd COVID season, we can say we earned this spot after running past and shutting down a surprisingly potent Northwestern offense to zero points in the second half en-route to a 22-10 win.

Flash forward to January 1st and the matchup against Clemson and remembering the loss from a season ago, you know that final score is still around the weight room. The circumstances and the end result was tragic and what better way to slay your demons than this? Another shot at the demon is needed and it could have a cascading effect and it could propel this team toward greater things.

This year has been crazy, but the committee definitely got things right. I’m not just saying that cause of my affinity for the Buckeyes, I am saying it from an objective viewpoint. Why penalize a team for playing less? Why perceive our players having fresher bodies with the mental and sometimes physical toll while dealing with such odd circumstances? Everyone dealt with things different but let’s be real, the season wouldn’t have started without the fight our team showed. Yes, we were late to the party but this year has been incredibly hard for all team in the big dance.

This seeding has an eerie feel to it and think about the 2014 run. Ohio State became the only #4 seed to win it all. They find themselves at the #3 seed and history could repeat itself but they definitely need to take care of business. Winning it all in a COVID-ridden year would be a testament to the coaching staff and the players for Ohio State—the ultimate comeback/success story in the making. It’ll come down to implementing a good plan moving forward against Clemson and executing, being intensely interested in winning at all costs.

To be intensely driven and motivated is key for an Ohio State miracle run at a championship and a win against top-tier teams in Clemson and Alabama. Not saying that they aren’t but they need to be more driven than ever to accomplish what they want to and this team is built to do just that.

Save all the hate and anger for January first Buckeye coaches and players, Buckeye Nation hope and pray a sharp, motivated team shows up from start to finish, and let’s get ready to take care of business in the Sugar Bowl.

#GoBucks




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Four and Into The Playoff Door
Mike via our good friends at Men of the Scarlet and Gray
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

BUCKEYES ARE IN:

Ohio State have been the most talked about team ranked in the top four of the playoff rankings because of its lack of games. Saturday’s Big Ten championship win was the Buckeyes’ sixth game this season.

No. 5 Texas A&M beat Tennessee on Saturday 34-14 and will finish the season at 8-1, but it’s hard to imagine the Aggies will jump an undefeated, conference champion with this Buckeye team.

Two components the playoff committee keys in on are the eye test and a conference championship. The Buckeyes are Big Ten Champions and have two quality wins against No. 11 Indiana and No. 14 Northwestern. When looking at Texas A&M, their best win came against a Florida team who fell to 5-5 LSU last weekend. The Aggies also faced No. 1 Alabama early in the season and ended up losing 52-24.

The Buckeyes controlled the second half of the Big Ten Championship, making a statement as their defense pitched a shutout and Sermon had one of the performances we’ve seen this college football season, breaking Ohio State’s rushing record with 331 yards.

This Buckeye team making a playoff appearance will be a huge victory for the Big Ten as it was one of the first conferences to cancel the season in August, deciding to overrule that and start a season in late October. Ohio State had three games canceled due to COVID-19 (Maryland, Illinois, Michigan).

Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields met with the media after winning the Big Ten title, saying it’s a no brainer the Buckeyes deserve a playoff spot.

“We’re one of the top four teams in the country,” said Fields.

THE REMATCH:

The Clemson Tigers took control against Notre Dame in the ACC championship winning 34-10 setting up a potential back-to-back playoff meeting with the Buckeyes. Last year the Buckeyes faced off with the Tigers in the Fiesta Bowl and left with a bad taste in their mouths as Justin Fields was picked off in the final moments as Chris Olave fell down in the endzone running a route, leading to a 29-23 victory for the Tigers.




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The BIG10 4-Peat Is Complete
Richard Tongohan via our good friends at Men of the Scarlet and Gray
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

Photo From: FBSschedules.com

In a roller-coaster type of year, the Buckeyes were nearly held out of visiting Indianapolis due to a rule that required teams to play a minimum of six games to play in the Big Ten Conference Championship game. Flash forward after the decision (a terrible one at that!) the Buckeyes face a familiar opponent in the Northwestern Wildcats, an opponent who stood in the way of their second consecutive shot at the conference crown. Now, two years later these two teams will face each other again for the title of Big Ten Champs and another tough battle against a solid defensive-driven team.

The Buckeyes and Justin Fields took it straight down the field on their opening possession and took it in for a touchdown, but a holding call by Harry Miller quickly negated it and the Buckeyes settled for three. They Buckeyes took a lot of time off the clock and Northwestern responded with six in a drive that took 2:32. The Buckeyes began to look sluggish as time went on with questionable play-calling that resulted in a pair of Buckeye punts before they surrendered a field goal to put the Wildcats up 10-3. The Buckeyes kicked it for three and forced a punt, but Fields was picked off before the half came to a close.

To open the second half, Justin Hilliard picked of Ramsey, and Fields was picked off for the second time in a game that he largely struggled in. The Buckeyes forced a punt and both teams had shots at points, but they both missed their respective shots at additional points to keep the contest at 10-6. The Buckeyes came alive as Trey Sermon channeled his inner Zeke and they fed him in what became a career game for him as a ran past Eddie George’s record that has stood for quite some time until today. Sermon finished with 29 carries and a Big Ten/Conference Championship FBS record 331 yards and 2 TDs.

Sermon and the Buckeye defense stepped it up in the second half. After Sermon went off the defense responded with timely turnovers that turned the tide. For context, the Buckeyes surrendered 167 yards on 5 Northwestern offensive possessions. In the second half, they had 7 total offensive possessions and they surrendered 181 yards. Yes, they gave up a little more yardage, but couldn’t get into position to score. The second half adjustments worked and it showed how resilient this team is when the pressure is right in front of them.

This was not a perfect game for Justin Fields, but maybe it is what he needs to move forward. He seemed to sprain his throwing hand thumb and that might be a story to follow as we move forward. For now, we have to enjoy the gutty win minus the gaudy offensive passing stats. Another off day doesn’t mean its all over for us. Enjoy the win and hope for the best.

MOTSAGRising Heroes of the Game:

Trey Sermon, RB – 29 carries 331 yards and 2 TDs

Justin Hilliard, LB – 9 tackles, 5 solo, 2 TFL, 1 INT

Zach Hoover, P – 3 punts, 118 yards, 2 in 20

#GoBucks




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BIG10 Championship Week Preview: Buckeyes-Wildcats Showdown by Mike Scharf
Mike via our good friends at Men of the Scarlet and Gray
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

Championship Week

After a long, abnormal College Football season, championship week is finally here. With the Big Ten Conference changing the six-game qualifying rule, the Buckeyes are seeking a back-to-back College Football Playoff berth as No. 4 Ohio State faces off with No. 14 Northwestern in the 2020 Big Ten Conference championship game.

Ohio State will be heading into their fourth consecutive Big Ten Championship. The Buckeyes have won three straight conference titles and look to continue that trend come Saturday. Last Season Ohio State, led by Heisman finalist Justin Fields defeated Wisconsin, 34-21, earning an appearance in the College Football Playoffs against the Clemson Tigers.

The Wildcats

Northwestern led by head coach Pat Fitzgerald is making its second appearance ever in the Big Ten title game. The Wildcats’ last conference title win came in 2000.

Offense

The offensive spark for the Wildcats is led by quarterback Peyton Ramsey and running back Drake Anderson.

Ramsey has controlled the offense all year for the 6-1 Wildcats throwing for 1,218 yards, and nine touchdowns.

Anderson led the ground game with 256 yards and two touchdowns averaging 4.1 yards per carry.

Defense

The Wildcats seconday has the second-highest rate of interceptions per game this season in the FBS with 12.

Brandon Joseph, a sophomore defensive back has carried the load for the Wildcat secondary with 23 tackles, and 5 interceptions (tied for 1st in the nation). Joseph and the rest of the secondary will have their hands full Saturday with Chris Olave, and Garrett Wilson.

Starting linebackers, Paddy Fisher and Blake Gallagher are experienced and true leaders within this Wildcat defense. Fisher and Gallagher have a combined 65 total tackles this season while Gallagher leads the team with 9.5 tackles for loss.

The Buckeyes

The Buckeyes didn’t get a chance to play in “The Game,” this past weekend but is hungry for a second straight playoff visit.

Offense

Justin Fields and this high-powered offense have been clicking on all cylinders this season. Fields has been leading the way in the five games played, throwing for 1,407 yards and 15 touchdowns.

The dynamic duo of Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson has been on full display all year long. Olave and Wilson have a combined 70 receptions, 1,100 yards, and 10 touchdowns in just five games played and look to continue their dominance Saturday.

The running back duo of Trey Sermon and Master Teague is starting to click as Sermon ran for a season-best 112 yards and one touchdown two weeks ago against the Spartans, and Teague having two 100 plus yard games this season against Penn State and Indiana.

The offensive line will be at full strength as Josh Myers, Nick Petit-Frere, and Thayer Munford are back in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center this week.

Defense

The Silver Bullets looked dominant two weeks ago against Michigan State as they steam rolled to a 52-12 victory.

The secondary, led by Shaun Wade looks to be more in sync and will come prepared for Saturday’s championship showdown with the Wildcats.

The defensive line led by senior Jonathan Cooper has been showing out the past few weeks in the most important time of the year. The Buckeyes have a team total of 14 sacks on the season, with Tommy Togiai leading the way with three.

The linebacker trio of Tuf Borland, Baron Browning, and Pete Warner has been a force all season. Borland wasn’t able to participate in the game against the Spartans due to COVID but is looking to cap his Buckeye career off with a Big Ten Championship Saturday afternoon.

PERDICTION

The Buckeyes will be looking for its 39th Big Ten Championship coming out focused showing the committee they are truly deserving of a playoff spot and one of the top four teams in the country even though they only participated in six games this season.

Buckeyes: 52-20




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Buckeyes dominate Spartans on the road: by Mike Scharf
Mike via our good friends at Men of the Scarlet and Gray
Visit their fantastic blog and read the full article (and so much more) here

No. 4 Ohio State is back and let everyone know they are the team to beat in the Big Ten and evidently a top four team in the country — even if not eligible to play for the Big Ten championship — after routing Michigan State with a 52-12 victory in East Lansing.

The Buckeyes played like an angry team, coming out firing, scoring on three of their first four drives to take control of the game early.

Passing Game

Justin Fields didn’t miss a beat even with a diminished offensive line in front of him due to COVID issues (Josh Meyers, Nicholas Petit-Frere, Thayer Munford). Fields was unstoppable through the air and on the ground as he combined for 303 yards, and four touchdowns.

Fields’ main target was wide receiver Chris Olave who recorded a career-high 10 receptions, 139 yards, and a touchdown. Garrett Wilson was second in receiving with 59 yards, and a touchdown.

Running Game

With Fields having a career day in rushing yards (104), Oklahoma transfer Trey Sermon didn’t bat an eye and had his best game as a Buckeye. Sermon carried the ball 10 times for 112 yards, and a 64-yard touchdown that put the Buckeyes up 35-0 in the third quarter.

Fellow running back Master Teague had 46 yards on 14 carries, and Freshman quarterback C.J Stroud got into the game late and blasted a 48-yard touchdown run.

Defense

With all the criticism and question marks the Buckeyes defense faced from their play in the second half against Indiana two weeks ago, they dominated the Spartans without captain Tuf Boland. The Buckeyes held Michigan State to 261 total yards and just 81 yards on the ground. Senior Pete Warner led the team with eight tackles. Junior, top NFL prospect Shaun Wade had 3 tackles, and an unbelievable diving interception which came right after a Buckeye turnover.





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