Wow! The Buckeyes raced out to a 28-0 first quarter lead, and never looked back, as they pounded Wisconsin early and often, to get to 4-0, and start the Big Ten schedule off the right way.
I know Ohio State has the potential to be extremely physical and explosive, but seeing how they were clicking on both sides of the ball from the opening kickoff really opened my eyes. The offense was fluid, flowing really well and fast-paced. The defense swarmed to the football, laid several vicious hits on those poor Badgers, and truly played like a classic Ohio State Silver Bullet unit.
Yes, there were a few lapses on defense that led to a couple garbage time touchdowns, and I'm sure Coach Day will be harping on those in film sessions and practice. But overall this definitely seemed to be Ohio State's best game of the season, against a tougher opponent than Arkansas State or Toledo. They had the best win out of the Top 3 teams in the country today. Let's take a look at the Keys to Victory and see how the Buckeyes got there, shall we?
Shut down the Wisconsin running game/get the Buckeye ground game going
It's easy to overlook how successful both the Buckeyes and Badgers were when it came to running the football tonight, especially when Ohio State lit Wisconsin up with big plays early and often. But the Buckeyes never really shut down the Wisconsin ground game. The Badgers gained 192 rushing yards on 35 carries, while Ohio State gained 258 rushing yards on 43 carries. Both defenses struggled greatly to stop the run.
Limit the big pass play
While Ohio State quarterback and Heisman hopeful CJ Stroud was lighting up the Wisconsin defense, Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz had no such luck against the Silver Bullet defense of Ohio State. Mertz only went 11-20 for 94 yards, a touchdown and an interception. This was really nice to see, and a fantastic sign for how good this Buckeye defense can be late in the season with everything on the line. Ohio State ranked 86th nationally in stopping the pass last season, but they definitely look a lot better. They're gelling, figuring things out, and getting better each game. If they continually improve and get better each and every week? Ohio State has a true shot at winning their first National Championship since 2014.
Every national champion has a solid defense they can hang their hat on. Championship-level defense is something every contender has to have, if they're going to truly chase anything. I don't think the Buckeyes are quite there yet. But we saw several flashes of it tonight. Which is a truly encouraging sign if you're a Buckeye fan...and a nightmare if you're the rest of the country!
Cover the spread
Ohio State certainly did that, as they won by 31 points, while Vegas picked the Buckeyes to win by 19 points. Aside from settling in, and cooling down a little bit later in the game in terms of energy, the Buckeyes largely kept their foot to the floor and the pedal to the metal throughout most of the night. They performed and won like a National Championship contender should!
Cade's big night
Lastly, I would be wrong if I did not give a shoutout to #8 Cade Stover for his big night catching the ball. The local Lexington product had four catches for 51 yards, which might not seem like a big night to anyone who keeps track of statistics. But two of those four catches resulted in Ohio State touchdowns. He had a massive impact on this game, especially in the early going when the Buckeye offense was just obliterating Wisconsin. He was incredibly reliable catching the football, always looking to make big plays, and stepping up when his number was called. Call it a gut feeling, but I think Cade Stover could be a huge X-factor or unsung hero if the Buckeyes make a National Championship run! Congratulations to Cade, and good luck to him on the rest of the season.
Next up? Ohio State plays Rutgers as they continue their Big Ten schedule. But for tonight, the Buckeyes played like one of the best teams in the country. Fantastic win and GO BUCKS!
Statistical Leaders
CJ Stroud: 17-27, 281 yds., 5 TDs, INT
Miyan Williams: 11 car., 101 yds., 2 TDs
Emeka Egbuka: 6 rec., 118 yds., 2 TDs
Source: ESPN
Picture: clutchpoints.com
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