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Caleb Downs ignites Ohio State with punt return TD vs. Indiana to open 2nd half

Paul Harvey

By Paul Harvey

Published:

Caleb Downs has electrified Ohio State with the Buckeyes trying to pull away from Indiana in Saturday’s major matchup.

After sitting 7-all for much of the 2nd quarter, Ohio State was able to build a 14-7 lead at the break after a massive special teams miscue from the Hoosiers. Indiana has since fallen behind 21-7 to start the 2nd half, but this play was more about Ohio State’s special teams unit.

Downs, the star safety who has taken over punt return duties, was the star of the play. He let a punt bounce before getting a read and picking up the ball.

One Indiana player had a quick shot at Downs, but it was a picture-perfect spin move by Downs that allowed him to reach the sideline. After that, the blocking by the Buckeyes set up perfectly, and Downs was off to the races.

An alternate angle of Downs’ spin move showcases just how nasty it was:

Not only did the return give Ohio State a commanding 21-7 lead, but it is also Ohio State’s first punt return touchdown in a decade. The last one came in 2014, also during a game vs. Indiana.

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.