Ohio State put on an unparalleled display of offense in the final 11 minutes of the first half Saturday.
In that span of time, from 10:53 to play until intermission until there were eight seconds left, the Buckeyes scored 35 points by recording touchdowns on each of their five second-quarter possessions.
It's the first time Ohio State has scored that many in a quarter since putting up 42 points during a 76-5 win over Miami (Ohio) in 2019.
A methodical 12-play, 82-yard drive capped by a 7-yard rushing score from TreVeyon Henderson got the streak started for the Buckeyes, putting them ahead of Western Kentucky by a 14-3 scoreline. It was Henderson's second rushing touchdown of the day.
The defense relented a touchdown on the Hilltoppers' ensuing possession, but it was almost strictly dominance from that point forward for the scarlet and gray.
Quarterback Kyle McCord took the first snap of Ohio State's fourth possession, dropped back and saw Marvin Harrison Jr. streaking wide open behind the Western Kentucky defense. He connected with his star wideout, and Harrison bolted to the end zone from there for a career-long 75-yard touchdown.
Absolute dart
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) September 16, 2023
Kyle McCord hits Marvin Harrison Jr. on the deep @OhioStateFB TD.
: FOX/@CFBOnFOX pic.twitter.com/4SAUT1Sb44
The defense then got a fourth-down stop in Western Kentucky territory, and it was another one-play touchdown drive from Ohio State in response. This time it was Chip Trayanum running 40 yards through the heart of the Hilltoppers.
Chip Trayanum 6 @Chipperrz_ x @OhioStateFB
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) September 16, 2023
: FOX/@CFBOnFOX pic.twitter.com/3k02jsAqQ0
Ohio State flexed its proficiency in a two-minute drill on its following possession, going 48 yards in four plays and 1:25 of game time after forcing Western Kentucky's first turnover on the season. As Emeka Egbuka crossed the goal line, the score ballooned to 35-10 Ohio State.
The @OhioStateFB offense looks like the one we all know today.
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) September 16, 2023
: FOX/@CFBOnFOX pic.twitter.com/QIoeccxPbd
Turns out the offense still wasn't done.
Getting the ball back with 28 seconds left in the half. McCord scrambled for 4 yards before connecting with tight end Cade Stover for 40 more.
Then Egbuka slipped behind the defense and caught his second touchdown pass in as many minutes.
This @OhioStateFB offense is so back.
— Ohio State on BTN (@OhioStateOnBTN) September 16, 2023
: FOX/@CFBOnFOX pic.twitter.com/accq0RUHjz
Ohio State carried a 42-10 lead into halftime.
In total, the Buckeyes mounted 294 yards of offense in the second quarter, averaging 16.3 yards per play. McCord passed for 209 of those yards on just eight attempts – 26.1 yards per attempt.
Stay tuned to Eleven Warriors for more updates from the Buckeyes' game against Western Kentucky.
