It was an offensive gem for the Buckeyes.
The Buckeyes showed great improvement in many of the key areas that had been slowing them down as of late. There are still problems to fix, especially on the defensive side of the ball, but overall, Ohio State can leave Saturday with more good than bad.
In Today's Three Key Stats, we look at the improved red zone play offensively, possible causes for concern on defense, and a dominant rushing attack from the Buckeyes.
5-6 Red Zone Attempts
The red zone play had been a major problem for the Buckeyes the last few games. Against Nebraska, the Buckeyes were forced to kick 4 field goals in the red zone, accompanied by one turnover on downs. The offense made this a point of emphasis all week, as they scored 31 red zone points on 6 tries.
There is still cause for concern in this area, as the Buckeyes tend to get sloppy further down the field, especially in closer games, but this was certainly a step in the right direction..
9.8 Yards per Completion
Purdue came into Columbus riding the hot performance of David Bell, who had 217 yards receiving against Michigan State last week. The Buckeyes struggled to make consistent stops, but there were flashes of capability.
The defense gave up most of the damage through the air, allowing almost 400 yards passing. The bright spot of the defense all year has been the ability to cause turnovers, which was done twice yesterday.
Overall, the defense has shown the ability to lock down opponents but has also struggled to find consistency from drive to drive.
8.5 Yards per Rush
The other main concern for the Buckeye offense going into today was the rushing game, which came alive against Purdue. The Buckeyes had nearly two 100 yard rushers, Miyan Williams with 117 yards and TreVeyon Henderson with 98 yards.
Ohio State also got some ground yardage from a new place this week with Garrett Wilson's 51-yard rushing touchdown, which made him the first player in Buckeye history to score three receiving touchdowns and one rushing touchdown in a game.
The rushing game will have to continue to assert itself going forward to make life easier for C.J. Stroud and the offense as a whole.
- #4 Ohio State 59, #19 Purdue 31
- • Ohio State Rolls Over Purdue
- • The Buckeye Offense Has Roared Back to Form
- • Garrett Wilson Proves His Value to This Team
- • Jeff Brohm Says Purdue WAs "Lucky to Hold Them to 59"
- • Ohio State Postgame • Notebook • Quotebook
- • Photos • Five Things • Debriefing • 3 Key Stats • Social Reactions
