No. 2 Ohio State left no doubt in its 52-0 win over Western Michigan.
Unlike last week, the Buckeyes started the rout early and jumped out to a 28-0 lead midway through the second quarter. Ohio State was dominant from start to finish in nearly every facet of the game and earned its first shutout since beating Cincinnati 42-0 on Sept. 7, 2019.
Here are a few takeaways from the game, starting with an impressive bounce-back performance from the offensive line.
A much-improved line
In Ohio State’s win over Akron, the offensive line left a lot to be desired, especially in the first half. It didn’t look like the physically dominating force it should have been.
This week, though, Western Michigan had no answer. Ohio State ran for 273 yards and averaged 7 yards per carry against the Broncos.
The line looked especially good when Chip Kelly found ways for the running backs to get to the outside. Right tackle Josh Fryar was the lead blocker for Quinshon Judkins’ first 23-yard touchdown.
Quinshon Judkins was MOVING 💨
Another one for @OhioStateFB 🔥 pic.twitter.com/PcffvuBiiQ
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 8, 2024
Judkins’ second 23-yard touchdown went to the left side, and left tackle Josh Simmons had a strong block to spring the Ole Miss transfer.
Quinshon Judkins does it again! 🔥@OhioStateFB is running away with it 😳 pic.twitter.com/R8dxvKTASV
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 8, 2024
Their performance was better than just those two runs, though. Ohio State struggled against Akron to locate defenders to block when they got to the perimeter, but that wasn’t the case on Saturday. They blocked well inside, and when they were pulling, they found bodies to push upfield.
This offense could be dangerous
There were concerns about the offense this offseason because of a new quarterback, the offensive line and inexperience at wide receiver.
Through two games, though, we’re learning that Will Howard is the right person to lead this offense. He completed 18 of 26 passes against Western Michigan for 292 yards and one touchdown. Those aren’t Heisman numbers, but his performance was enough to keep Ohio State on script and ahead of the sticks for the most part. He also added a rushing touchdown.
When Howard is on time with his throws, this offense looks deadly. The receiver options are showing that they didn’t need a lot of game experience last year to make a difference.
Freshman Jeremiah Smith had another strong game with five receptions for 119 yards and a touchdown, eclipsing the 100-yard mark in just his second career game. He also tied Chris Olave and Marvin Harrison Jr. for fifth on the freshman touchdown record list. Cris Carter holds the record with eight touchdowns, Smith has three in just two games.
JJ appreciation post.
pic.twitter.com/ivfLbIn7fp— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) September 8, 2024
As good as Smith has been, it’s difficult for opponents to focus on him because everybody else is elite too. Emeka Egbuka had five receptions for 98 yards, Carnell Tate and Brandon Inniss each had three receptions for 45 yards.
It’s clear Ohio State’s receivers are really good again. Between the receiving corps, the running backs and a plethora of tight ends who can run, the Buckeyes are showing they have an offense that will be difficult to stop.
Linebacker depth is better than originally thought
The lone weakness, on paper, for Ohio State’s defense was the linebacker depth, but there’s more talent there than expected.
Cody Simon played his first game after missing the opener and immediately made a difference. He had a third-down sack on the first drive, a third-down pass breakup on the second drive and a tackle for loss in the game. Sonny Styles continues to be defensive coordinator Jim Knowles’ versatile chess piece, and Arvell Reese has emerged as a mainstay. The third-year redshirt sophomore made a jump in fall camp and has garnered the respect of the coaching staff, so much so that he was the third linebacker in, on the second drive, over former five-star C.J. Hicks.
Hicks did play as well, but Reese coming in first says something about how he’s been playing. He finished with three tackles and looks like somebody who can play in big games, not just garbage time.
Hicks rounds out the two-deep and remains one of Ohio State’s best blitzers.
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Judkins, Henderson show off their explosiveness
Ohio State will be hard to stop if Judkins and TreVeon Henderson play like they did Saturday. Their explosiveness was on full display.
Judkins finished with 108 yards and two touchdowns on nine carries and Henderson tallied 66 yards and two touchdowns on 10 carries. Together they ran for 174 yards and averaged 9.15 yards per carry.
The impressive part, though, wasn’t just their burst in the open field. They both found the open holes well and fought through contact. Judkins had an 80-yard touchdown called back, but before getting into the open field he had to break two tackles on the perimeter.
They are the best running back duo in the country.
Penalties need to be sorted out
Ohio State wants to be one of the most disciplined programs in the country, but it is far from it right now.
The Buckeyes had seven penalties last week and had seven on Saturday for 58 yards. They averaged 5.7 penalties per game last season, which was already high.
(Photo of Quinshon Judkins: Jason Mowry / Getty Images)
