That’s more like it! Yes, let’s pump the brakes a little bit. The Buckeyes just demolished the worst team Michigan State’s had in years. But it was refreshing to see Ohio State look crisp, fluid and energetic on offense. I’ve been happy with each win so far this year obviously. But the offense has been sputtering a lot this year. The running game was spotty until Henderson reappeared and Kyle McCord has spent the last nine games going from surviving to still trying to figure things out. But that all ended tonight.
The Buckeyes finally were firing on all eight cylinders! We’ll see if they can keep it up next week against Minnesota. But for tonight, I’m happy with pretty much everything! Ohio State rolls to 10-0 in style!
How’d they get the job done? Let’s take a look at tonight’s Keys to Victory!
Nice to see you, Kyle McCord!
I am very interested to see where Kyle McCord will be when he reaches the end of his career at Ohio State. He’s continuing to grow. Even if the process has been slow and frustrating at times. But he’s getting there.
He’s survived tough games against Penn State and Notre Dame. He’s fought through less than impressive days for himself and this offense. But I have to hand it to him. He’s incredibly resilient.
Above all else tonight though, he FINALLY looked like the explosive quarterback I knew he was capable of being! He went 24-31 for 335 yards and three touchdowns and no interceptions. He was confident, poised, accurate, and he didn’t try to force throws. He found his targets in stride, didn’t try to play hero ball by trying to do too much.
Last week at Rutgers he was efficient but not explosive. Tonight he was both. This is the Kyle McCord that will have to show up if the Buckeyes are going to beat Michigan, as well as win the Big Ten Championship and National Championship. Great to see him finally put it all together!
The cavalry has arrived!
Another part of this Ohio State offense that has been spotty for a lot of the season has been the running game. TreVeyon Henderson has really battled leg and ankle injuries a lot this year. I hope I don’t jinx him by writing this, but it’s SO good to finally see him healthy and running at full strength!
When he is doing well, Henderson at the very least gives Ohio State a consistent runner who can pound the rock for Woody Hayes’s “three yards and a cloud of dust” strategy. But when he breaks free? He can truck people dumb enough to go head up with him, and he has the speed to turn the corner. The Buckeyes desperately need him for every game from here on out.
Henderson only carried the ball 13 times for 63 yards and a touchdown. But two big things happened for him in this game: Henderson showed he still can run with authority and power when he needs to, and he will stay fresh for next week against Minnesota, since he only carried the ball 13 times tonight. He’s one of the big keys to determining how far this Ohio State team will go. Hopefully it’s eventually to a 15-0 season, and the school’s 9th National Championship. But none of that happens without him. Hopefully he’s getting healthy and getting set to peak at just the right time.
“Live from Columbus, it’s the Marvin Harrison Jr. Show!”
It’s a crying shame that the best player in the country won’t win the Heisman Trophy. But if he keeps it up, Marvin Harrison Jr. will at least be invited to New York. That’s almost a guarantee. He caught seven passes for 149 yards and two touchdowns.
And he even rushed for a touchdown as well! I hope Browns coach Kevin Stefanski takes note of how the Buckeyes executed that version of the sweep. Marvin lined up outside like he usually does, came in motion, took a seamless handoff from Kyle McCord, and outran every Michigan State defender in a 19-yard footrace on the way to the end zone. The execution was perfect in every aspect of the play, and it was absolutely beautiful to watch Marvin notch the first rushing touchdown of his career. If the Buckeyes can sharpen up on other trick plays, I’d love to see Coach Day have a few more of those in his bag for Michigan, Georgia or Alabama.
Cade’s career day!
Kyle McCord and Marvin Harrison Jr. may have gotten most of the highlight reel plays. But Lexington alum Cade Stover quietly had a career night! The massive tight end hauled in seven catches for 79 yards and a touchdown. Along with McCord looking strong, Marvin Harrison Jr. doing his thing, and the running game showing up, Cade Stover will need to be a big factor down the stretch if Ohio State wants to make serious noise!
Up next for the Buckeyes? They’ll play host to a 5-5 Minnesota team they should be heavy favorites to beat. After that, we all know what time it is. November 25th can’t get here fast enough. GO BUCKS!
Statistical Leaders
Kyle McCord: 24-31, 335 yards, 3 TDs
TreVeyon Henderson: 13 carries, 63 yards, TD.
Marvin Harrison Jr.: 7 receptions, 149 yards, 3 TDs
Picture Credit: clutchpoints.com
