Bottom line: How did Ohio State football grade out vs. Western Michigan?

Posted by Admin September 8, 2024 Football

Ohio State got another shot at a Mid-American Conference opponent on Saturday. This time, the game went as most expected.

Last week’s 52-6 win over Akron was sloppy at times. This time, in a 56-0 rout of Western Michigan, the Buckeyes dominated from the start.

How did the Buckeyes grade in their win over Western Michigan? Leaves are awarded on a zero-to-five basis.

Ohio State offense (5 leaves)

Quarterback Will Howard was 10 for 10 before throwing his first incompletion, and he finished the first half 15 for 22 for 274 yards with one passing touchdown and one rushing TD. He showed mastery of the offense and its many weapons as OSU rolled to 406 halftime yards while taking a 35-0 lead, with superstar freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith catching five passes for 119 yards and a scintillating 70-yard TD. OSU averaged 11.3 yards per play and 9.4 yards per carry in the half.

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The Buckeyes finished with 683 yards, and backup quarterbacks Devin Brown and Julian Sayin combined to go 7 for 7.

The Buckeyes again were without left guard Donovan Jackson, who is perhaps their best lineman, but that gave more reps for others, including starter Austin Siereveld.

The tight end, used little last week, was back. In fact, the offense’s first play was a 5-yard completion to Gee Scott Jr. Will Kacmarek later caught a 7-yard pass, and Howard misfired on a shot at an open Jelani Thurman in the end zone. On a 3-yard TD run by TreVeyon Henderson in the first quarter, the Buckeyes had four tight ends in as blockers. Late in the game, Bennett Christian scored on a 55-yard pass from Sayin.

Ohio State defense (5 leaves)

Western Michigan, which played Wisconsin close last week before losing 28-14, couldn’t move the ball. Ohio State held the Broncos to 99 yards, including 0.9 yards per rush, and six first downs.

Davison Igbinosun, Caleb Downs, Sonny Styles and Ty Hamilton each had a team-leading four tackles. Jack Sawyer and Cody Simon each had a sack while Hamilton and Tyleik Williams split another.

Ohio State special teams (3 leaves)

Nothing spectacular, but nothing dumb, either. Brandon Inniss, who emerged last week as a weapon, was smart in calling for fair catches when needed.

Because of a mistake on a fair catch, the Buckeyes had to open the second half at their 6. Jayden Ballard muffed a punt but recovered it with 2:37 to play.

Joe McGuire averaged 44.7 yards on three punts, and Nick McLarty had one punt for 35 yards.

Ohio State coaching (5 leaves)

The Buckeyes avoided the shaky start of last week and were sharp from the first snap. The offense utilized its many weapons and the defense swarmed.

Fun quotient (3 leaves)

A blowout, but it was a nice night with fireworks on offense and, thanks to the Ohio State Alumni Band, quadruple Script Ohios.

Western Michigan Broncos (1 leaf)

The Broncos played hard but found there was a big difference between Ohio State and Wisconsin. They likely wouldn’t have scored if there were 10 quarters.

Officiating (3 leaves)

A curious decision to eject Ohio State cornerback Denzel Burke in the first quarter. Burke was flagged for targeting, but while replays did show his head dipping, he led with his shoulder.