Recap

The game did not start the way Ryan Day or the rest of Buckeye Nation would have liked. Miami started off with the ball, and were able to drive down against the newly vaunted Silver Bullets defense. After being pinned near their own 5 yard line, Fields had his first turnover as the ball was knocked out of his hand and rolled into the back of the endzone for a safety. After punting back to the RedHawks drove down the field once more and got a field goal, leading the Buckeyes 5-0. They were able to drive for over 100 yards total in the first quarter, but that was the last highlight for Miami.

Ohio State got the ball and were able to take the lead 7-5 after a Dobbins run for a touchdown. Both teams exchanged punts, and then Ohio State scored on their next 6 possessions in the 2nd quarter. The Buckeyes seemed to have slept walked to start the game, and looked a little sloppy, but then showed how dangerous their team can be, which is building their case as one of the best teams in the country. 

The starters hung around until the end of the first half, and then the second and third stringers played the second half, and were able to drive against the RedHawks, keeping them under 200 yards of offense, and racking up of 600 yards.

Justin Fields was 14/21 for 223 yards and 4 touchdowns. He also added 36 yards on the ground on 9 carries, and added 2 touchdowns on the ground. It was a good performance to help him pad his Heisman candidacy. Chris Chugonov started for the Buckeyes in the second half, and added 86 yards passing on 6 completions, and had 2 touchdown passes, including a highlight pass to Garrett Wilson. Gunnar Hoak played as well, and was a perfect 2/2 for 65 yards, and touchdown pass to Jameson Williams. who had a 61 yard gash.

On the ground, the Buckeyes spread the wealth with 6 different running backs. Steele Chambers and JK Dobbins both had 8 carries and touchdown. Master Teague, Marcus Crowley, Demario McCall and Amari McMahon also were able to tote the ball as part of the blowout win. Including Fields’ yardage, the Buckeyes wee able to run for 227 yards on the day. ]

13 different players caught a pass. Garret Wilson led the team with 4 receptions and 54 yards. KJ Hill had 78 yards on 2 catches and a touchdown. Chris Olave had 3 catches for 30 yards, and 2 touchdowns. Ben Victor is being utilized more with this team, and was able to find the endzone as well a part of his 3 catch, 42 yard day.

Chase young recorded two more sacks, that each resulted in a fumble recovery for the Buckeyes to help they get possession back quickly. The defense held Miami to 60 yards passing and 70 yards rushing. 

This was the last tune up game for the Buckeyes as they travel to play Nebraska next week, who came from behind to beat Illinois. 

Turning Point

The game did not start off well for the Buckeyes, as they trailed 5-0 halfway through the 1st quarter, but after 2 straight touchdown drives,  Jeffrey Okudah intercepted Blake Gabbert on their first drive of the second quarter and the Buckeyes never looked back. Ohio State flexed their muscles and dominated the RedHawks as they were expected to, and even their backups were able to score and hold Miami to under 200 yards of total offense. 

Star of the Game

Justin Fields. He is the only player in the country that has a rushing touchdown and passing touchdown in 4 straight games. His passing yards are once more not eye popping, but accounting for 6 total touchdowns, all in the second quarter, he proved that he deserves top quarterback and Heisman consideration. 

Playoff Picture

Ohio State won in dominating fashion again, that most people will ignore the slow start in the 1st quarter. Scoring 76 unanswered points after halfway through the first quarter showed that are one of the elite teams. The rest of the top teams took care of business as well, and Georgia beating Notre Dame helps ensure that the Buckeyes don’t have to worry about the Fighting Irish this year if they ran the tables. 

Looking Ahead

Ohio State (4-0) travels away to Nebraska (3-1) in Lincoln, NE. College GameDay will be there.

Miami(OH) (1-3) will return home to play Buffalo (2-2)

Photo credit: USA Today and Land-Grant Holy Land