Buckeye B-@-tle Cry: Fans Celebrated Ohio State's Return As the Buckeyes Dominated Michigan State

By David Regimbal on December 7, 2020 at 12:30 pm
Justin Fields, Dodging People
© Joshua A. Bickel/Columbus Dispatch via Imagn Content Services, LLC
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Every week, Eleven Warriors dives into the mentions of Ohio State's coaches and players to bring you the #HotTakes and ramblings of Buckeye Nation. This week, we're looking back at Ohio State's dominant win over Michigan State.

Ohio State returned to form in more ways than one on Saturday afternoon.

After cancelling their contest against Illinois, the Buckeyes made the trip to East Lansing missing a host of key players and coaches — most notably along the offensive line — for their showdown against Michigan State.

Associate head coach and defensive line coach Larry Johnson stepped up in the absence of Ryan Day and led the team to a convincing 52-12 victory.

Quarterback Justin Fields was brilliant, throwing for 199 yards and two touchdowns to complement 104 rushing yards and another two scores on the ground. Wideout Chris Olave was Fields' top target, hauling in 10 catches for 139 yards and a touchdown, while Trey Sermon led the charge on the ground with 112 yards and one touchdown.

The victory put the Buckeyes at 5-0 and on the doorstep of the Big Ten Championship Game, but Saturday's game against Michigan (which would secure the minimum six-game standard to qualify for the title game) is at risk due to a COVID-19 outbreak in the Wolverines program.

Regardless of what happens next week, the Buckeyes looked like they belonged in the College Football Playoff discussion with their decisive victory over Michigan State.

Let's get to the mentions.

@ Larry Johnson

This was without a doubt the single best aspect about Saturday's contest. Well earned and deserved.

Well okay, now I'm panicking. 

This was literally the only negative tweet I found in Johnson's mentions during the game, which is amazing considering Day gets about two dozen during blowout wins.

Not sure this "MSU challenge" you're talking about exists, unless you're a Michigan fan, of course.

Preach.

@ Ryan Day

Even though Day watched the game from his couch on Saturday, his mentions were on fire. 

I've put this article together every game day for the last three years and can confirm that yes, Day should keep off Twitter.

See what I mean?

Ugh, yes! The camera guy in East Lansing had to have been zooted Saturday afternoon.

Sigh...

// Crosses fingers //

@ Justin Fields

Saturday was an interesting experience because it highlighted how important depth is for a football team. Without its starting center and two other starters along the offensive line, Ohio State had to shuffle things around, which put Harry Miller under the gun. 

He did the best he could, but because Ohio State primarily operates out of the shotgun, Saturday was... an adventure for Fields.

The response to this touchdown run is something to behold.

Not anymore, actually. He's a Buckeye now.

Heh, timely.

That touch, though.

Fields took a shot and had me holding my breath for a very long time, but fortunately he missed just one play.

I mean, come on!

Fields is really out here converting fans.

Accurate.

Hopefully this time next week, we'll be back here pointing and laughing at Michigan.

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