Ohio State was up just 7-3 for awhile, and then one of the most dynamic offenses simply exploded in the 2nd quarter. All of a sudden the score was 35-3 at halftime against a Rutgers team that was actually competitive. The game was going extremely smoothly, and then Rutgers piled on the points late to make the score look a lot more competitive than it really was. Either way, the defense is still catching up to the offense.
Justin Fields
More and more touchdowns, with less and less inefficiency. This guy is on a tear right now, and every team in the country should honestly be terrified by the Buckeyes offense. Justin Fields has arguably the best receiver tandem in the country with Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave, an offensive line that does a fine job protecting him, an improving running game that will balance the offense out, and one of the best playcallers in the country in Ryan Day. I do not see a single defense in the country stopping the offense anytime in the near future.
Defense/Special Teams
The game was actually phenomenally played by Ohio State in the first three quarters. The halftime score was 35-3, and the game was obviously wrapped up for a victory. The fourth quarter was way too successful for the Rutgers offense. However, this defense let their foot off the gas pedal in similar fashion to the Penn State game. If Ohio State wants to compete for a national title without forcing the offense to score touchdowns every possession, this defense needs to step up. The sooner the defense starts playing four full quarters really well, the better.
Conference Overview
This conference should easily be Ohio State’s to win, and just as much to lose. Indiana does not scare me, even after their impressive, dominant victory of TTUN this past Saturday. Michigan is spirally, Wisconsin has barely played because of COVID-19, Indiana is presumably the second best team in the division, and possibly the Big Ten conference. The Buckeyes should definitely be in College Football Playoff no doubts about it.
Summary
Overall, the game went fine. The Buckeyes won, and they did so convincingly. But, there definitely is some visible room for improvement. Ohio State’s scheduled game with Maryland has been cancelled due to COVID-19, so the Buckeyes will have a bye week.
Next Week: BYE; Maryland cancelled (COVID-19)
Next Game: 11/21 vs #10 Indiana (Time TBD)
Image: USA Today Sports
