After two weeks of inconsistent offensive play, the No. 6 Buckeyes were understandably worried this week about giant-killer PurdueComing to town.
Ohio StateThere was reason to be cautious about the BoilermakersThe team had already beaten two of the top five teams this season. TheLast time they met, PurdueThe investigation was halted BuckeyesWith a spectacular upset, ‘2018 marches to the playoffs West Lafayette.
NoThis is the time to be worried.
Freshman quarterback C.J. Stroudthrew for 361 yards and five touchdowns in the dialed-in. BuckeyesEarly strike and rolled over Purdue59-31 Saturday.
“It’s going to build a lot of confidence,” Ohio Statecoach Ryan Day said. “I don’t think our guys were lacking confidence, I just think after the last two weeks — we were on edge a little bit this week, to be honest with you. WeWe just wanted to get back into the game, score in red zone, and get our noses dirty.
The Buckeyes (9-1, 7-0 Big TenCFP No. 4) scored on seven of their first-half possessions, adding up to 45 points against a Purdue team that hadn’t allowed more than 30 in any game this year.
TreVeyon Henderson added to his impressive freshman resume With 98 yards and two first-half touchdowns. Garrett WilsonThree touchdown passes were caught and ran for another.
“WeWe were fortunate to keep them at 59.” Purduecoach Jeff Brohm said.
The BuckeyesTwo romped early and capitalized on them Boilermakers turnovers, the second of which was a fumbled kickoffRecovered on the Purdue 14. The 12-yard catch by Wilson two plays later The BuckeyesTwo touchdowns in 14 seconds.
Wilson had 10 catches for 126 yards. Jaxson Smith-NjigbaA 15-catch effort of 240 yards last week was followed by nine catches for 139 yard a TD.
Chris OlaveHe had nine receptions of 85 yards and a touchdown. This was the 33rd career milestone for him, one shy of the school record.
“It’sJust real scary.” Smith-Njigba said. “I think it is hard for defenses cover all of us.”
HELPING OUT
The Ohio StateAlthough defense was not outstanding, StroudAnd Co. It was then painted over. Purdue quarterback Aiden O’ConnellWas 40 for 52, and threw four touchdown passes. He wasn’t sacked. David BellHe had 11 catches of 103 yards in the BoilermakersThe piles of (6-4, 4-3) were a respectable 481 yards.
“Certainly we don’t like to give up 31 points in a game,” Day said. “I believe that the defense performed really well in the last two weeks, even though the offense was absolutely stellar. Thisgame, we scored 59 points offense and the defense gave us 31. The good news is we’re kind of helping each other out, but we’re still looking for that complete game. That’s part of winning football in November.”
TERRIFIC RUNNING
A touchdown run of 57 yards. HendersonThis was his fourth rush of at minimum 50 yards this season. He tied for the national lead. HisHe was 17th TD, which placed him in the top one percent of single-season school records by a freshman. Maurice ClarettIn 2002, there were 18
THE TAKEAWAY
Purdue: TheDefense could not slow down Ohio State’sArray of offensive stars PurdueThree of its last four wins, including a win of 40-29 against then-champions.No. 5 Michigan StateBefore running into trouble last week, BuckeyesThere was no offense.
“They”We are a team of playoff-caliber players.” Brohm said. “TheyWe were out-played and out-manned by them and won every category.
Ohio State: The BuckeyesYou can forget all the talk about it being a trap game, and you are now ready to be treated PurdueLike a cupcake in the early season.
POLL IMPLICATIONS
TheVoters should be impressed by a victory over a dangerous conference foe. With No. 2 Oklahoma’sLoss to No. 18 BaylorThe BuckeyesCould make a move upward.
NEXT
Purdue: Plays NorthwesternOn SaturdayAt Wrigley Field.
Ohio State: Hosts No. 8 Michigan StateOn Saturday.
Source: Fox News
