LET’S GO! Michigan WEEK HAS BEGUN! What a game, what a game. The Larry Johnson-led Buckeyes (due to Ryan Day’s quarantine) and reserves stepped up where they were needed, and the veteran play of Justin Fields proved too much for Michigan State, when Ohio State demolished them 52-12.
Offense
This is the Justin Fields I have been waiting for. Do-it-all Justin Fields, on the ground, through the air, even blocking. The leadership and composure of Fields with a depleted offensive line was amazing to watch. He played remarkably well, and Ohio State ran for 322 yards on 48 rushing attempts, an average of 6.7 yards per carry, in a dominating game by an offensive line without multiple starters (presumably due to COVID-19). Fields only threw for 199 yards, but completed 17-24 passes with 2 touchdowns. Chris Olave had 10 catches for 139 yards, and Trey Sermon had over 110 yards on just 10 carries. The only “letdowns” were the performances of Master Teague and (maybe) Garrett Wilson.
Defense/Special Teams.
This is the “Silver Bullets” unit I love watching. This side of the ball was also without some starters, yet they forced multiple tunrovers and pressured both Michigan State quarterbacks all game long. What a performance by Punter Drue Chrisman, too. He has always dominated Michigan State, and he averaged 53 yards a punt in this game. Balke Haubeil SUCCESSFULLY CONNECTED ON HIS FIELD GOAL, and Ohio State looked flawless in all three phases of the game.
Summary
It is finally here, rivalry week in Columbus, Ohio! This is always a trap game, so it is important that they perform extremely well out of the gates and hit “That Team Up North” from start to finish. After that, a Big Ten title and College Football Playoff berth appear to be virtually locks as long Ohio State proves it. This was one of the best game Ohio State played all season long against a team with multiple underdog wins against ranked teams this season.
Photo Credit: Steven King / Getty Images
