Tag: buckeyes football

Ohio State faces largest deficit of the season, down 21-7 at half to Wisconsin

Ohio State looked stagnant and faced their largest deficit of the season yet will enter halftime down just 14-7.

Ohio State has its work cut out for it against Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship Game. The Badgers came to play. Two things dominated the first half. Ohio State’s inability to get off the field on third and long, and the Buckeyes’ inability to solve the Wisconsin defense. Both of those led to Ohio State’s largest deficit of the season at the break.

Another interesting development is little mention of Chase Young. Any game without his impact on it may not turn out well for the nation’s best team.

That said, here’s a rundown of how the half went for Ohio State.

To start, Wisconsin won the coin toss and chose to receive, wanting to blast Ohio State in the mouth early knowing that Ohio State would return the fair. Well, the Badgers did just that.

They, after a pair of first downs, gave the ball to Jonathan Taylor for a 44-yard touchdown. They went five plays and under three minutes to take a quick 7-0 lead.

Then, the mighty Ohio State offense took the field for the first time. Sadly, the Buckeyes didn’t succeed on a fourth and 7 after driving for a few first downs. It was justified attempt though as a field goal at that point would’ve been at least a 50-yarder.

Wisconsin punted on their next drive, pinning Ohio State within its own ten yard line.

J.K. Dobbins quickly changed that and then Austin Mack made his presence felt with a stellar 34-yard gain. Ohio State’s second drive started off well yet a third and ten stalled another drive as Fields was pressed and sacked out of field goal range.

With the clock under two minutes in the first and the Badgers up seven, Ohio State punted for a touchback. The quarter ended 7-0 with Wisconsin on its own 41.

Wisconsin continued to march down the field, completing a difficult third and long en route to entering Ohio State territory yet again. A missed Jonathan Taylor third down set up a fourth and five which Wisconsin converted on.

Jack Coan then ran in a 14-yard touchdown to extend Wisconsin’s lead to 14. It certainly wasn’t the first 21 minutes that Ohio State had dreamed up as it saw itself in the largest deficit of the season early in the second.

That said, early in the second, Taylor, a potential first-round, did surpass 6,000 career yards.

Ohio State got the ball back with around ten minutes left in the half. After three pitiful attempts, Ohio State faked a punt and was able to pick up a first down where the offense finally started to gain some steam.

Two 20-plus yard gains put Ohio State on 1st and goal. Justin Fields eventually fumbled, something Ohio State has had a clear problem with this season. With under four minutes left though, the Buckeyes were able to get the ball back.

Ohio State drove, with a few third-down conversions, and put points on the board before half. But just when you thought it had some momentum going headed to the locker room with under one minute in the half, Jonathan Taylor ripped off a big run. Then Wisconsin had another big play through the air and scored a TD just before half to go up 21-7.

The Buckeyes are now left looking for answers and will need to make some adjustments to find a way to win this one. Ohio State is in serious jeopardy of losing its grip on what has been a fantastic season.

Is Ohio State Football a lock for the College Football Playoff?

While it likely won’t happen, if the worst-case scenario becomes a reality, are the Ohio State Buckeyes still a top-four team in the nation?

While it likely won’t happen, if the worst-case scenario becomes a reality, are the Ohio State Buckeyes still a top-four team in the nation? Do they still get into the College Football Playoff?

There are multiple “worst-case” scenarios, and they all start with Ohio State losing the Big Ten Championship Game. While I don’t believe Wisconsin will have a chance in the two teams’ rematch, it could be closer than many expect.

The Buckeyes, if they lose in Indy, would then be 12-1 with dominant wins over Penn State, Michigan, and Wisconsin, the latter two by over 25 points each.

That’s impressive.

In a worst-case, Georgia wins the SEC, Utah wins the Pac-12 and Oklahoma wins the Big 12.  Georgia and Clemson would be the two automatic bids then.

LSU and OSU would both lean on its dominant regular seasons to get in. However, Oklahoma and Utah would both also have just one loss and would also have a case for inclusion into all the fun.

All four would have one loss and Oklahoma/Utah would have their conference championship, which we know the committee values. The committee looks at the full body of work, but still, that’s a feather in the cap the Buckeyes would not have.

But the body of work is what helps Ohio State.

The Committee has also historically valued bad losses, which Oklahoma has. While Utah lost to USC, the Trojans are now a top-25 team according to the committee, a boost to the Utes resume to be sure.

If this scenario somehow turns to reality, it’s still difficult to see Ohio State out. With as complimentary as the College Football Committee has been on the Buckeyes and Tigers, it’s hard to see either one of them being left out, even with a loss.

Clemson would be in as an undefeated Power Five Conference Champ, then it would all boil down to Utah and Oklahoma most likely for that final spot. Then again, we’ve all been surprised by what this committee does, so hold the phone I guess.

Let’s just hope that even in this worst-case scenario Ohio State still makes it.

How was Chase Young was not unanimously chosen as Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year?

Ohio State’s Chase Young was named B1G Defensive Player of the Year and Defensive Lineman of the Year, but it wasn’t unanimous.

Ohio State’s Chase Young was named the Big Ten’s Defensive Player of the Year and Defensive Lineman of the Year, but it wasn’t unanimous. How? I have no idea.

On Tuesday night, the Big Ten released their coaching, defensive and special teams awards.

Head coach Ryan Day, seven defenders and the Buckeyes’ kicker were all recognized. A day later Justin Fields and others were also shown a myriad of awards including Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year.

That said, Chase Young won the Defensive Player of the Year award. But, somehow it wasn’t a unanimous decision.

After the Big Ten named all their awards, they noted the unanimous selections in all caps. Young’s name, needless to say, was not fully capitalized, signifying that he wasn’t a unanimous selection.

With 38 total tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss and 16.5 sacks, Young has easily been the most dominant defender in the conference. And all those eye-popping stats came with him missing two games due to a suspension surrounding him accepting a small loan.

He put up the team’s single-season sack record and played just ten games. He’ll likely have three more to solidify his claim as a top-three pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.

Widely regarded as college football’s best defensive prospect, it’d be interesting to know if Antoine Winfield Jr., who won B1G Defensive Back of the Year, took a vote or two.

Winfield Jr., the Minnesota Golden Gopher, had seven interceptions, the fourth-most in the NCAA. While those were impressive, Winfield isn’t on the same level as Young.

Ohio State’s Justin Fields wins Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year

Ohio State University’s sophomore quarterback Justin Fields has won the Big Ten’s Offensive Player of the Year.

Ohio State University’s sophomore quarterback Justin Fields has won the Big Ten’s Offensive Player of the Year.

The former five-star quarterback started his collegiate career in Georgia and quickly transferred to Ohio State.

Under Ryan Day, Fields has found unparalleled success and has grown into one college football’s best dual-threat quarterbacks. Fields is a projected Heisman finalist as well.

Leading the Buckeyes to a perfect 12-0, Fields neared 2,700 yards through the air with 37 pass touchdowns with a mere one interception. On the ground, he added 470 yards and ten more touchdowns.

For his terrific performances, Fields has been named the Griese-Brees Quarterback of the Year. Like teammate Chase Young, he didn’t just the positional award but was also named the Graham-George Offensive Player of the Year.

The second-year stud knows this ride isn’t over. He’s prepared to play in the team’s conference championship, a rematch against Wisconsin on Saturday.

From there, the Buckeyes will hopefully take their talent down south and compete in the College Football Playoffs. If they go far in those playoffs, it’ll be on the back of star quarterback Justin Fields.

Watch what Ohio State head coach Ryan Day had to say about winning B1G Coach of the Year

Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day won B1G Coach of the Year, and he talked about it with the Big Ten Network.

Ohio State’s Ryan Day won Big Ten Coach of the Year as decided by the media.

Minnesota’s head coach, P.J. Fleck, won coach of the year as nominated by conference coaches while Day won the one given away by the conference’s media.

As for Day, he is the university’s first winner of the award since 1979, the year he was born. That said, Day has been nothing short of spectacular in his first season in charge.

The Buckeyes are entering the Big Ten Championship Game with an unblemished 12-0 record.

They are one of three Power 5 teams that are still undefeated, and however, Saturday unfolds, Ohio State is still a virtual lock for the College Football Playoff.

They can thank Ryan Day for all the success.

He’s coalesced the talent on this team and made a cohesive group that is an absolute force. Here’s what the always-humble Day had to say on winning the award.

This will be just the first of many awards heading Ohio State’s way. Chase Young has already won B1G Defensive and Defensive Lineman of the Year, and it’s likely they’ll also have the Offensive Player of the Year as well.

Overall, Day has been the voice of this team, and he’s been outstanding as the unanimous leader so far this season.

Not bad for a first year head coach.

Jeff Okudah snubbed on Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year

Ohio State University’s Jeff Okudah wasn’t named Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year. Needless to say, he was snubbed.

Jeff Okudah is widely praised as the second-best defensive prospect set to enter the NFL Draft, and best overall defensive back. His only competition for overall defensive player is teammate Chase Young, who was was recently awarded the Big Ten’s Defensive Player and Defensive Lineman of the Year.

For Okudah though, he did not receive the honor of the Tatum-Woodson Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year. While Okudah may very well be the best, it was Minnesota’s Antoine Winfield Jr. who was given the award.

Winfield Jr. is a stellar corner. He’s fourth in the nation in interceptions with seven, and those have been a major factor in why Minnesota has just two losses.

However, his numbers are better because he’s actually thrown at. Most quarterbacks choose to run their first read at Shaun Wade or Damon Arnette, two other Ohio State corners that may also be drafted.

Okudah isn’t often targeted. That kills his numbers. While he was named to the All-Big Ten First Team, Okudah should’ve been noted as not just the conference’s but the nation’s best corner.

He recently garnered some praise in CBS Sports’ recent mock draft. Selected fourth overall by the Dolphins, columnist Ryan Wilson noted that Okudah was an absolute monster against Michigan.

“Okudah had his best game of the season on Saturday against Michigan, shutting down every Michigan WR he lined up against.”

[lawrence-related id=18049]

[lawrence-related id=18024]

It was shocking. Shea Patterson actually opted to test Okudah instead of just not looking to that entire side of the field.

Okudah has just 20 solo tackles and three interceptions on the year. It’s not a shocker that his numbers are significantly worse than Winfield Jr.’s. Winfield is a viable selection for the award, but that doesn’t make him the conference’s best corner.

We have a feeling the NFL scouts and executives will agree with us when it’s all said and done.

[lawrence-related id=17997]

 

Ohio State Football: A holistic look at Tuesday’s Big Ten Awards

Coach awards, defensive awards, and special team awards for the Big Ten were announced on Tuesday. How did Ohio State perform in them?

Coach awards, defensive awards, and special team awards for the Big Ten were announced on Tuesday. How did Ohio State perform in them?

Let’s just say Ohio State was well represented. The Buckeyes featured seven players on the All-Big Ten Defensive Team. Those seven included four on the first team. The names and specific team can be found below.

Ohio State also had its kicker, Blake Haubeil, who didn’t miss a PAT all season, named to the All-Big Ten Special Teams third team. Haubeil was 8-for-10 on field goals including a 55-yarder against Northwestern.

It was shocking to not see punter Drue Chrisman on the list as well.

On top of those eight, Ryan Day was named by the media as B1G Coach of the Year. Day led Ohio State to a perfect 12-0 record during his first season in Columbus.

Outside of Day’s COY, those were the team awards.

Chase Young won two individual awards as the conference’s best defensive player and its best defensive lineman.

Somehow, someway, he wasn’t unanimously the best defensive player. Young has 16.5 sacks, a single-season Buckeye record, and 19.5 tackles for loss on the season. He’s a projected top-two pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

That said, here’s the released graphic breaking down how the defensive players were separated among the three teams.

Later today, the offensive awards for the conference will be announced. It’d be shocking if Jonathan Taylor beat out J.K. Dobbins and Justin Fields for the Graham-George Offensive Player of the Year. Also, be on the lookout for Fields potentially taking home the Griese-Brees QB of the year in the conference and Dobbins the Ameche-Dayne Running Back of the Year.

We’ll have the rest of the awards for you when they’re announced. And we’ll have our own awards after the conference championship games are all played.

College Football Playoffs: Ohio State remains No. 1, top four unchanged

The Ohio State Buckeyes, going into the week of conference championship games, have retained the No. 1 spot in the CFP rankings.

It’s official. Ohio State is still No. 1 in the second-to-last CFP rankings.

The Ohio State Buckeyes, going into the week of conference championship games, have retained the No. 1 spot in the CFP rankings.

Ohio State, LSU, Clemson, and Georgia round out the top four. However, teams like Utah and Oklahoma, who were No. 5 and 6, still have a chance to win their conference championship and get in the top four.

Baylor, Wisconsin, Florida, and Penn State round out 7-10. That said, did you notice that Alabama, with its second loss of the season to Auburn this past weekend, has dropped out of the top ten?

Overall, Ohio State will take on Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship Game, and they should virtually be a lock for the College Football Playoffs regardless of Saturday’s outcome.

Their entire body of work has been unmatched. They’ve defeated Penn State, Michigan and Wisconsin, taking down the latter two by 20-plus. This Ohio State has just been absolutely dominant this season.

They’ll currently be facing No. 4 Georgia if the playoffs started today. However, if Georgia loses to LSU in the SEC Championship, Utah or Oklahoma, with a win, will likely get in.

Ohio State Football: Chase Young named Big Ten Defender of the Year

Chase Young, the dominant defensive end for Ohio State, has been named the Big Ten’s Defensive Player of the Year.

Chase Young, the dominant defensive end for Ohio State, has been named the Big Ten’s Defensive Player of the Year.

Young has followed the recent trend of absolutely dominant defenders for Ohio State that started with Joey Bosa and Marshon Lattimore and has continued down the line. Bosa was the last to win this award in 2014.

Young also was named Defensive Lineman of the Year after breaking the university’s single-season sack record, entering the Big Ten Championship Game with 16.5 sacks. He also has 19.5 tackles for loss and 38 total tackles.

Being suspended for two games, Young could’ve easily been looking at 20-plus sacks had that not occurred. But, they did, and Young was sparred of any season-ending penalties, a sigh of relief for all Ohio State fans.

A projected top-two pick, Young is clearly the best defender in the nation. This should just be the start of the season-ending award for one of college football’s most dominant defenders.

Offensive awards will be announced tomorrow.

Ohio State Football: Blake Haubeil named All-Big Ten Special Teams

Ohio State Football’s Blake Haubeil, who didn’t miss a PAT during the regular season, has been named to the All-Big Ten Special Teams.

Ohio State’s Blake Haubeil has been named to All-Big Ten Special Teams. The three-star kicker coming out of high school, Haubeil has cemented himself as one of the conference’s best.

Throughout the season, Haubeil went 79-for-79 on extra points, which, in modern-day football, isn’t something taken for granted. He’s also was 8-for-10 on field goals, including a 55-yarder against Northwestern.

He was the only Buckeye named to the All-Big Ten Special Teams although punter Drue Chrisman has been named All-Big Ten third team the last two seasons.

The fourth-best kicker in the Class of 2017, Haubeil has been one of many Buckeyes that have been nominated to All-Big Ten teams. He was named third-team special teams.

https://twitter.com/B1Gfootball/status/1202001791581339648?s=20

This is another high honor for another terrific Buckeye.