Players of the Game: Dallan Hayden and Tyleik Williams Earn Top Honors For Their Performances in Ohio State's Win Over Purdue

Following Ohio State's 41-7 win over Purdue in Week 7, running back Dallan Hayden is the Eleven Warriors offensive player of the game and defensive tackle Tyleik Williams is the defensive player of the game.

Congratulations to the Eleven Warriors players of the game for Ohio State's 41-7 win over Purdue.

Dallan Hayden: 11 carries for 76 yards and 1 TD
Tyleik Williams: 3 tackles, 2 TFLs and 2 PBUs pic.twitter.com/WIpOgvrUo9

— Eleven Warriors (@11W) October 15, 2023

Before Saturday, Hayden was at the bottom of the depth chart in Ohio State's running back room, as TreVeyon Henderson, Chip Trayanum and Miyan Williams had established themselves as the top three ballcarriers for the Buckeyes. Headed for a redshirt season in 2023, Hayden climbed the ranks versus Purdue. Henderson and Williams were declared out before the contest, and Trayanum exited the matchup with an undisclosed ailment, leaving Hayden to tote the rock 11 times for 76 yards and one touchdown.

“It shows his mental preparation because he hasn't played a bunch this year,” Day said of Hayden's performance. “To do that says a lot about his preparation. The things we did today are day one installation kind of plays. We had the stretch play going. We had the counter play going and a few other things – a couple of tosses. But he put it on the field, and he took care of the ball."

Hello, Dallan Hayden. pic.twitter.com/1euonpx6NB

— Eleven Warriors (@11W) October 14, 2023

While Hayden's standout efforts were unexpected, the same cannot be said about the contributions of Williams, who has become one of Ohio State's most consistent defenders after six games in 2023. Williams collected three tackles, two tackles for loss and two pass breakups in the Buckeyes' 34-point win on Saturday.

This season, the 6-foot-2, 290-pound defensive tackle ranks fifth on the team with 27 tackles. Moreover, his six tackles for loss pace the Buckeyes, and he is one of seven Ohio State players to record a sack. Add in his four pass breakups, one quarterback hit, one fumble recovery and one touchdown, and the Manassas, Virginia, native has proven to be a game-wrecker in his third year at Ohio State.

Tyleik Williams is a playmaker. #free91 pic.twitter.com/CeYpVfwVuv

— Eleven Warriors (@11W) October 14, 2023

Hayden and Williams are the sixth pair of Buckeyes to be named the Eleven Warriors players of the game. Williams now accompanies wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. as the only Buckeyes to receive the honor twice in 2023.

We will keep a running chart of all the recipients as the season continues, with the individual awards to be posted on our social media accounts and the website each Sunday after an Ohio State win.