We're now at the point in the season where we have to be wary of trap games. Losing one of these would really hurt, even with the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff. Trap games against inferior opponents kept Ohio State out of the Playoff in 2017 and 2018. One of those two losses came at Purdue.

Six years ago, an inspired Boilermakers team didn't just beat the Buckeyes, they smashed them 49-20, which slammed the door shut on Ohio State's Playoff and National Championship hopes that season.

But there wouldn't be a repeat of that here in 2024. The Buckeyes were 37.5-point favorites at home in Ohio Stadium, and they handled this one with an all-business mentality that you expect to see from a true National Championship contender.

Let's keep things in perspective: Purdue was absolutely horrible coming into this one. They were 1-7, and riding a seven-game losing streak. The Boilermakers are in a freefall. They're going nowhere under second year head coach Ryan Walters.

But if you're the Buckeyes, you still need to win the games on the schedule. You still need to take care of whatever business is in front of you. Whether that's the worst team in your conference, a potential CFP game or the National Championship Game.

Ohio State took care of business today, and then some! How? Let's take a look!

Silver Bullet Defense!

I had to chuckle when Joel Klatt made a comparison that seemingly came out of nowhere. He called Ohio State Defensive Coordinator Jim Knowles, "The Marcus Aurelius of Coaches."

Here's a quick history lesson for those of you at home: Marcus Aurelius was the Emperor of Rome from 161-180 A.D. and is widely known for his incredible wisdom.

He was one of the wisest men of his time, and perhaps one of the wisest who ever lived. Most of his wisdom is contained in a book now simply called Meditations.

In the book, Marcus gives advice on everything, from how to live a good daily life, contribute positively to society, and how to control your emotions and maintain your focus in spite of adversity.

I can definitely see that Jim Knowles is stoic, controlled and focused. Many coaches might be hotheaded, let their emotions get the best of them, and make mistakes. But Jim Knowles has largely cleaned things up.

Aside from the Oregon game, the secondary has kept a lid on things, the linebackers seem to be hitting harder, and the defensive line is finally developing some semblance of a pass rush.

But the Ohio State defense is approaching things with a bit of a stoic attitude. They're still passionate and fired up after making big plays, which is fantastic. But they don't make many mental mistakes. They don't get too high or too low. That comes from good coaching.

Overall, the Silver Bullets held Purdue to just 206 total yards. 108 passing and 96 rushing. They were great at containing Purdue QB Hudson Card, and held the Boilermaker rushing attack to just 2.6 yards per carry.

The defensive line also racked up four sacks. Again, it's Purdue. But this week, and next week will be good tune-ups to get ready for two of the games that REALLY matter: Indiana and Michigan. The defense seems to be in great condition!

The Trey and Jud Show!

I am still terrified to utter these words: TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins are looking so good!

Why am I scared? I'm terrified I'll jinx one or both of them into getting hurt or sidelined for any significant amount of time.

TreVeyon has dealt with foot and ankle injuries during his time as a Buckeye. I'm not usually superstitious. But I'm nervous that things are too good to be true with the running game.

It's the backbone of a deadly Buckeye offensive unit. The bread and butter. If these two running backs continue carrying the rock like this, and this team makes it to the College Football Playoff, there's no reason Ohio State can't hoist the National Championship trophy on January 20th!

The running game isn't sexy or flashy. TreVeyon and Quinshon just go to work. Something tells me they're concerned more about moving the chains and scoring points, than talking smack or ending up on SportsCenter.

These two are "lunch pail, hardhat" running backs. One's from Virginia, and the other's from Alabama. But they both run like Ohio guys. They don't talk too much. They simply take the rock, fight for every single yard, and let everything else take care of itself.

Henderson ran the ball six times for 85 yards and a touchdown, while Judkins ran 11 times for 32 yards. But they headlined a running game that churned out 173 yards on 35 carries and scored two touchdowns.

The Ohio State ground game is an underrated part of this team. But I know another part that is worth every bit of the hype...

Jeremiah Smith: Touchdown Maker, Record Breaker!

I don't care if it's one of his insane circus catches, a one-handed grab, or a routine long touchdown over the middle, Jeremiah Smith is a special wide receiver and person. I love this kid!

With his 9th receiving touchdown of the season, he has surpassed Buckeye legend Cris Carter for the most touchdown catches by a freshman wideout in Ohio State history!

What's even crazier is the Buckeyes still have at least three games to go. I don't know how many touchdown grabs he's going to have by the end of the regular season. I'd say at least 12.

And if Ohio State goes all the way and wins the National Championship, I'd put that figure somewhere in the range of at least 15. And I'm being conservative with that estimate. He's just a touchdown catching machine!

He's truly a gamebreaker. Yes, it's awesome when he catches touchdowns, but he's such a force of nature that just having him out there keeps defenses honest. He could have a bad day and catch like three or four passes for 50 or less yards. But just the fact that an opposing defense has to devote that much attention to him, opens up opportunities for everyone else. He's that good!

And he's only going to get better. He's just a young pup at 18 years old. He won't turn 19 until the day before the Michigan game. He's just a baby.

You think he scares defenses now? If he keeps going on this upward trajectory, he'll have every defensive coordinator and DBs coach in the country crapping their pants in 2025 or 2026! Georgia, Alabama and Texas included!

What's Next?

The Scarlet and Gray machine looks like it's firing on all cylinders. Up next, the Buckeyes travel to Chicago to take on Northwestern at historic Wrigley Field.

Usually Ohio State plays in Evanston, Illinois when they travel to Northwestern to battle the Wildcats. But it'll be really neat to see how the field is set up for that one. Whoever thought of the idea of a college football game at Wrigley needs a raise or a promotion. Kudos to you, sir/ma'am!

And kudos to you for reading my latest article! Ohio State rolls to 8-1 on the season, and 5-1 in Big Ten action. The quest for a National Championship continues!

GO BUCKS!

Statistical Leaders

Will Howard: 21-26, 260 yards, 3 TDs

TreVeyon Henderson: 6 carries, 85 yards, TD

Jeremiah Smith: 6 catches, 87 yards, TD

Sources

ESPN

Marcus Aurelius - Wikipedia

Picture Credit

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