It certainly wasn’t pretty. But a win is a win! The Ohio State Buckeyes open their season with a 23-3 win in Bloomington over the Indiana Hoosiers!
There certainly was a lot to clean up. But I don’t think the majority of it was because of new Buckeye starting quarterback Kyle McCord. Although how he played was certainly a factor in the Keys to Victory for today. Let’s take a look at them and see how things went for the boys in Scarlet and Gray!
Get McCord (or Brown) going
Before we talk about this part of the game, I’m just going to say it: Kyle McCord didn’t do too bad in his first start of the season.
Cue the angry Buckeye fans who are armchair head coaches that think they know better than Ryan Day…
But hear me out: McCord has only played in 12 games in his entire career at Ohio State. He’s mostly seen game action when it’s been garbage time. This was his second career start, and first in two years. Do Buckeye fans really expect him to be flawless right out of the gate? Did they really expect him to throw for 500 yards and five touchdowns and become the greatest passing quarterback in college football history on Day 1?
I love the passion of our fans. But I equally hate how entitled, spoiled and unrealistic some of them are. There has never been a great quarterback in Ohio State history who was a Heisman Trophy contender right out of the gate. Troy Smith struggled with maturity issues when he first earned the starting job. JT Barrett had to learn how to be a leader and field general. CJ Stroud had to get used to the system and trust his receivers. They all had growing pains early on as Ohio State starters. Kyle McCord, no matter how he turns out, is no different. People need to remember that.
As for today’s game though, he looked decent. Not great and not horrible. He went 20-33 for 239 yards and an interception. The good? He can definitely sling it deep! The arm strength is not a problem for him. He also doesn’t look like he’s afraid to run, which is a welcome sight, especially considering that Stroud seemed like he was scared to take off. Kyle McCord can be a truly great quarterback if he learns how and when to use both aspects of his game to burn opposing defenses. If he does? Look out!
McCord was also decent at hitting receivers over the middle and finding holes in the coverage Indiana gave him. I really hope he throws it to Cade Stover more often. People don’t really talk about tight ends being effective pass catchers as much as they should. But for a growing quarterback, a solid tight end who can catch in space is a godsend.
The bad? McCord often looked like he was forcing throws too much sometimes. The unnecessary interception on 4th and 2 was one of those examples. He’s trying to play “hero ball” too much. He’s too focused on making the big play and hitting the home run ball right out of the gate, and not letting opportunities present themselves. But that’s only because he’s trying too hard right now. You don’t think he feels the pressure of being the starting quarterback for one of the best college football teams in America? I certainly would if I were in his position! The kid has just been handed the keys to the Ferrari. He won’t be an expert at handling this system in Game 1, and it’s unrealistic for anyone to expect him to do that this early in the season.
Shut down Jaylin Lucas
Ohio State shut down Jaylin Lucas, but at the same time, they didn’t. He was held to just 24 yards rushing on 11 carries, and one measly yard receiving. That was the good part of things. But he still burnt the Buckeye special teams unit in the return game. Lucas had a combined five returns for 89 yards. Could he have hurt them worse? Certainly. But he also gave Indiana good field position on a few occasions. If he was playing for Alabama, Georgia, Michigan or any other top team in the country? Their offenses would capitalize on him setting them up. The Buckeyes have to get better at containing athletic and explosive return men as the season unfolds. That was one of the glaring weaknesses I saw today from Ohio State that they need to work on.
Bring the juice on defense
This one was a mixed bag. I loved the physicality from the defense early on. They had the energy, were swarming to the football, breaking up passes. But they seemed to lay back a little bit later on in the game once it was comfortably enough in hand. I know it’s hard for a team to be high-energy for 60 minutes. But they need to sack the opposing quarterback more than once, let the receivers know they’re going to lay the smackdown on them if they try to catch the ball, and play true “Silver Bullet Defense.” This wasn’t it. But Jim Knowles will have plenty of time to ratchet things up between now and next week’s game.
Big Game for Cade Stover
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the great game Cade Stover had for the Buckeyes today. The big 6’4, 255-pound tight end hauled in five catches for 98 yards, and was Kyle McCord’s favorite target today. I absolutely loved his 49-yard catch and run, and would’ve went bonkers if he had taken that one to the house!
I really hope they utilize him a lot this season. Not only because he could be a great security blanket for McCord as he grows into his role, but also because Stover would add an extra dimension to an already deadly offense as a catching tight end. Something tells me that’s not the last big game the Lexington alum will have for the Buckeyes in 2023!
Up next for Ohio State? A home game with Youngstown State. I don’t like these supposed “cream puff” games. I know all the big schools do it. But I roll my eyes every time I see one of these games on the schedule.
Still, a win is a win! One victory down for 2023. And hopefully many more to come! GO BUCKS!
Statistical leaders
Kyle McCord: 20-33, 239 yards, INT.
Miyan Williams: 7 carries, 25 yards, 2 TDs.
Cade Stover: 5 receptions, 89 yards
Source: ESPN
Picture Credit: clutchpoints.com
