Caleb Downs ignites Ohio State with punt return TD vs. Indiana to open 2nd half
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.
CALEB DOWNS TO THE HOUSE 🏠🌰@OhioStateFB starts the second half with a bang ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/XT4Wrax5CI
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 23, 2024
An alternate angle of Downs’ spin move showcases just how nasty it was:
That first spin by Caleb Downs was just nasty 😮💨⚡️@OhioStateFB pic.twitter.com/HyDEgYLFvP
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 23, 2024
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.