Two record-setting performers, a sixth-year senior who played his final home game on Saturday and an entire position group earned Ohio State’s player of the game awards for the win over Michigan State.
C.J. Stroud and Chris Olave were both named offensive players of the game after leading the Buckeyes’ offense in their 56-7 win over the Spartans.
Stroud, who also earned national player of the week honors from the Walter Camp Football Foundation on Sunday, completed 32 of 35 passing attempts – including a school record 17 consecutive pass completions – for 432 yards and a school record-tying six touchdowns. Olave, who was playing his final home game at Ohio Stadium, caught seven passes for 140 yards and two touchdowns to become Ohio State’s all-time touchdown receptions leader.
.@CJ7STROUD @chrisolave_ #GoBucks pic.twitter.com/de1MLMNyB4
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) November 21, 2021
Demario McCall, who also played the final home game of his Ohio State career on Saturday as he nears the end of his six-year journey as a Buckeye, earned special teams player of the game honors for the third time this season after playing on the kickoff coverage and punt block units against Michigan State.
@DemarioMccall pic.twitter.com/iOskpreADv
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) November 22, 2021
Rather than selecting one defensive player of the game, Ohio State decided to give that honor to the entire defensive line, which was credited 2.5 sacks, six tackles for loss, four quarterback knockdowns, five tipped passes and 12 quarterback hurries while leading the way for a dominant defensive performance in which the Buckeyes held star Michigan State running back Kenneth Walker to only 25 rushing yards on six carries.
cheesin'#GoBucks pic.twitter.com/m8GDIBYLEp
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) November 22, 2021
