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Joe Nicholson, Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Slow first half for the Buckeyes:
Held scoreless majority of the first half, Jermiah Smith scores before the 1st half ends. It was truly a four-quarter fight and Ohio State’s redzone defense was the difference maker. Once again, I’ll say it they are carrying this elite redzone defense from last year into this year. Buckeye’s defense keeping Washington out of the endzone and just allowing 6 points helped the offense catch a groove in the second half.
Ryan Day really drew up a perfect plan for Sayin in his first Big Ten game and his first road game. Run game early with easy throws for Julian Sayin to make. The play call for Jermiah Smiths touchdown was PERFECT. It allowed Julian Sayin to make a simple throw in a much-needed score. Get Jermiah Smith into space with blockers downhill. Sayin was incredibly accurate once again and never puts the ball in jeopardy. Both Quarterbacks were accurate and made the right choices all game. Ohio State controlled the second half and Washington really couldn’t get it going.
Ohio State’s Defense looks Elite under Matt Patricia:
Ohio States’s Defense has yet to allow a redzone Touchdown. They are great in the secondary, with a lot of trust in that front 4. Similar with the Texas game you see the D-line start to make a difference late in the game. It’s like the defense smothers you all game then opens the flood gates late. Great game plan and one of the best offenses in the nation held to 6 points.
The fan base has gotten to the point where Jim Knowles leaving was a blessing. This defense does not have the players it did last year and looks ELITE in areas where the Championship team last year lacked. Easily the best defense in the nation. This allows this young offense to get its rhythm, ahead of the tougher part of the schedule coming up.
Another underrated part of this win was how Ohio State responded to adversity. On the road, in a hostile environment, with a freshman quarterback making his first Big Ten start, the Buckeyes stayed composed. The coaching staff also deserves credit for staying patient and trusting the defense to give the offense opportunities. That kind of mental toughness especially this early in the season says a lot about the culture Ryan Day and his staff have built. It’s not just about talent anymore; it’s about execution and discipline.
Final: Ohio State 24, Washington 6
Second half takeover with ELITE defensive play helps Buckeyes remain Undefeated ending Washingtons 22 game home winning streak. Credit to Washington who deserved to be ranked coming into the game and I expect Washington to upset one of the big ten powers this season. Ohio State moves on and remains undefeated. They have a home night game vs Minnesota on October 4th.
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