Recap

It would be safe to say that this game was expected to be closer than what transpired on the field. It could be a combination of underestimating Ohio State after an average performance after a hot start last week, and overestimating Cincinnati after their impressive win against UCLA. Luke Fickell has emphasized defense and it was expected to slow down Ohio States offense, however it was the Ohio State defense which stole that title.

Justin Fields continued to be impressive in his second career start. He added 4 more touchdowns, two on the ground and two passing, to his season total. He was a near perfect 20/25 passing for 224 yards, and added 42 yards rushing. The offense was not able to repeats it success last week for with 4 scoring drives in a row, but they were able to score 4 of their first 7 possessions, and held a 28-0 lead.

The first score was on the second possession for the Buckeyes, caping off a 5 play drive with a 7 yard touchdown run from Fields. They held Cincinnati deep in their own territory for their first possession, and a nice return helped set up the short field.

The next possession, Ohio State had a turnover own downs after a failed quarterback run from Fields, who took it from the shotgun formation and tried to earn a yard to the left side of the field. The Buckeye defense stopped Cincinnati and then blocked the field goal attempt to take the ball over. Is was on the next drive, to start the second quarter where JK Dobbins came alive, after a big 24 yard run, Ohio State was able to to drive into the redzone, and Dobbins carried in a 4 yard touchdown run for the second score, making it 14-0.

The Silver bullets stepped up again, forcing a 3 and out, and JK Dobbins returned to pay dirt after a blazing 60 yard run. The Buckeyes finally had a passing touchdown on their next possession, from Justin Fields to freshman Garrett Wilson for 9 yards in a NFL level catch, which was the first touchdown for the young Buck. Ohio State finished the half 28-0 and held Cincinnati just above 100 total yards.

The second half, the adjustments were made, but Ohio State still dominated, capping off the game with a touchdown run from Fields, and then a 5 yard touchdown pass from Fields to KJ Hill, who is now 37 receptions away from breaking the Ohio State record.

Overall, it was an impressive outing from the Buckeye, and they now set their sights on Bloomington, Indiana, where the Buckeye faithful will be in waves.

I also want to make a special note about Bearcats Safety Kyriq McDonald who had a scary moment during the game, and had to be carted off the field. We at Buckeye50 hope he is ok, and thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.

Turning Point

In what was surprisingly a dominant game for Ohio State, there wasn’t a moment that stood out a s defining change in the game. What I will point out is the 4th quarter, with a shutout on the line, and the Bearcats threatening on the South endzone, the second team defense was able to force a fumble near the goal line, and protect the 0 in the visitor column. I feel that was a difference between the effort last game and this game for the Silver Bullets.

Star of the Game

Justin Fields. This was close to say JK Dobbins, but Justin Fields put up a near perfect game for his second career start against a very experienced defense. The preparation during the week must have helped because Field was only sacked once and was still able to account for 4 total touchdowns.

Playoff Picture

Shutting out an opponent is impressive, and Cincinnati, who was a 11 win team last season, is a good opponent. It might not mean much now in the scope of the national landscape, and with the teams ahead of them all winning, they should hope Cincinnati challenges for the AAC title, especially since UCF has been unbeaten in the regular season for two straight seasons. Ohio State does not have a flashy non-conference schedule, but hopefully pollsters and the committee acknowledge the skill of this Bearcat team.

Looking Ahead

Ohio State (2-0)  travels to Indiana (2-0) at noon.

Cincinnati (1-1) returns home to host Miami-OH (1-1) at noon,

Photo credit to Land-Grant Holy Land