Ohio State had another chance against a Mid-American Conference opponent on Saturday. This time, the game went as expected.
Last week’s 52-6 win over Akron was sloppy in spots. This time, the Buckeyes dominated from the start in a 56-0 win over Western Michigan.
What grade did the Buckeyes receive for their win over Western Michigan? The points are given on a scale of zero to five.
Ohio State Offense (5 sheets)
Quarterback Will Howard was 10 of 10 passing before throwing his first incomplete pass, and he finished the first half 15 of 22 passing for 274 yards with a passing touchdown and a rushing TD. He showed his mastery of the offense and its many weapons as OSU totaled 406 yards by halftime and took a 35-0 lead. Superstar freshman receiver Jeremiah Smith caught five passes for 119 yards and scored a brilliant 70-yard TD. OSU averaged 11.3 yards per play and 9.4 yards per carry at halftime.
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The Buckeyes finished the game with 683 yards, with backup quarterbacks Devin Brown and Julian Sayin combining for 7 of 7.
The Buckeyes were once again without left guard Donovan Jackson, perhaps their best lineman, but that gave other players more playing time, including starter Austin Siereveld.
The tight end who barely played last week was back. In fact, the offense’s first play was a 5-yard pass to Gee Scott Jr. Will Kacmarek later caught a 7-yard pass and Howard missed a throw to the free Jelani Thurman in the end zone. The Buckeyes had four tight ends blocking a 3-yard touchdown run by TreVeyon Henderson in the first quarter. Late in the game, Bennett Christian caught a 55-yard pass from Sayin.
Ohio State Defense (5 sheets)
Western Michigan, which played Wisconsin in a close game last week and lost 28-14, couldn’t move the ball. Ohio State held the Broncos to 99 yards, including 0.9 yards per carry, and six first downs.
Davison Igbinosun, Caleb Downs, Sonny Styles and Ty Hamilton each had four tackles, leading their team. Jack Sawyer and Cody Simon each had a sack, while Hamilton and Tyleik Williams shared another.
Ohio State Special Teams (3 vacations)
Nothing spectacular, but nothing stupid either. Brandon Inniss, who proved himself to be a weapon last week, was smart to call for fair catches when necessary.
Due to a mistake on a fair catch, the Buckeyes had to start the second half at their 6-yard line. Jayden Ballard missed a punt but was able to catch it again with 2:37 minutes left.
Joe McGuire averaged 44.7 yards on three punts and Nick McLarty had a 35-yard punt.
Ohio State Coach (5 sheets)
The Buckeyes avoided last week’s rocky start and were in good form from the first snap. The offense utilized its many weapons and the defense stormed.
Fun factor (3 sheets)
A landslide victory, but it was a beautiful evening with fireworks on offense and, thanks to the Ohio State Alumni Band, four times Script Ohio.
Western Michigan Broncos (1 sheet)
The Broncos played hard, but found that there was a big difference between Ohio State and Wisconsin. If there had been 10 quarters, they probably wouldn’t have scored.
Officiating (3 sheets)
Odd decision to send Ohio State cornerback Denzel Burke off in the first quarter. Burke was penalized for targeting, but even though you could see him lowering his head in the replays, he led with his shoulder.
