Recap

It wasn’t a pretty game, and there definitely going to be a lot of film for both the offense and the defense, but man was it great to leave Arlington with a win. Ohio State started off with a few big plays, but failed to convert a third down in the red zone, after a dropped passed from Haskins to Austin Mack. They settled for a field goal, and led 3-0. That seemed to be the story of the offense in the first half, scoring only 6 points, while the defense was able to cause a fumble for a touchdown, causing the Buckeyes to trial 13-14 into the half.

TCU’s offense started off fast and was able to challenge the vaunted defensive line by outside runs and screen passes, challenge the devolping back 7 for the Ohio State defense. They were able to score on big plays, taking the lead in the first quarter after Darius Anderson rushed for a 93 yard score, longest in TCU history, and biggest play against Ohio State in school history. TCU was able to control the game and the line of scrimmage in the first half, putting some pressure on Haskins and making him have quick throws, but Haskins stayed poised and was able to finish the game without any turnovers.

Second half, TCU started slower than the first half, and this helped get Ohio State back in the game. After a quick screen pass to Parris Campbell for a 63 yard touchdown, Ohio State swung the momentum in their favor and never looked back.

A lot of injuries to maybe be concerned about as Nick Bosa left the game in the third quarter, and Sheffield had a few moments he had to leave the field. Next week, Ohio State has its last non-conference game against Tulane, which should be their last tune up game before continuing their Big Ten schedule.

Haskins looked impressive in this game, even with the low snaps and pressure, throwing for 344 yards and 2 touchdowns. JK Dobbins impressed as well, running for 121 yards on 18 carries in his “homecoming” game.

Hopefully we get to have chance to play in that stadium once more this year for the playoff.

Turning Point

Parris Campell made his entrance into the game in the third quarter when he caught a short screen pass and turned on the jets for a 63 yard touchdown reception. This cut the lead for TCU 19-21 after a failed 2 point conversion and was the offenses’ first touchdown of the game. TCU then got the ball back and Robinson threw an ill-advised shovel pass into the hands of Dre’Mont Jones, who would show his athleticism and took the ball to the house, giving Ohio State it’s first lead after the first quarter. TCU would be forced to a three and out, and the Ohio State offense scored once again on the next possession when Haskins hits KJ Hill on a back shoulder throw. The 20 points scored for the Buckeyes in 4 minutes gave the Buckeyes the momentum they needed to hold on and put the game away. A lot of credit to TCU for keeping it closer than expected and should challenge in the Big 12.

Star of the Game

Dwayne Haskins turned on the heisman train in the second half, throwing both of his touchdowns and rushing for one. However, I am going to look on the defensive side of the ball and give the “game ball” to Dre’Mont Jones, who was able to hold down the fort for the defensive line after Nick Bosa went down, and scored a defensive touchdown for the Buckeyes in a critical moment.

Playoff Picture

This win for the Buckeye’s helps its playoff case with a marquee win on the road, especially if TCU is able to make some noise in the Big 12. The weekend didn’t go so great for the Big 10 though, as several teams lost to inferior opponents, non worse than the Rutgers loss to Kansas. Also, with Wisconsin losing to BYU by a late game field goal, the West could be a little more open for a strong Iowa team to come in and challenge the Badgers. Ohio State though needs to win the games ahead of them, and let the other teams play itself out. They can’t control their opponents.

TCU hurt their chances slightly with this loss, however if this is their only loss of the season, and they are able to win the Big 12, they will be the biggest OSU fans outside of Columbus, in hopes that they both can make the final four teams at the end of the year.

Looking Ahead

Ohio State (3-0) will play Tulane (1-2) at home at 3:30pm. This will be Urban Meyer’s first game back as head coach this season. This is the last non-conference game for Ohio State before going to Happy Valley to play Penn State.

TCU (2-1) starts their Big 12 schedule at Texas (2-1) at 4:30pm. Texas reached the 900 win mark in program history after defeating USC.

Photo credit to Ohio State Football.