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Rapid Reaction: Ohio State’s defense has no issues as Ohio State cruises past Rutgers
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Any questions about Ohio State’s defense were answered in the Buckeyes’ B1G opener against Rutgers on Saturday afternoon. OK, maybe not all of the questions, but there certainly isn’t any reason for concern in Columbus.
Ohio State’s defense was dominant in a 52-3 win over the Scarlet Knights in Week 2, surrendering less that 150 yards and forcing two turnovers in the victory. It was a much more impressive outing than last week, when the Buckeyes allowed Oregon State to score 31 points.
The onslaught started quick, with Dwayne Haskins finding Johnnie Dixon for a 38-yard touchdown just four minutes into the contest. Rutgers didn’t have a chance from that point.
Haskins went on to throw four total touchdown passes, completing 20-of-23 passes for 233 yards in the victory. Tate Martell was a perfect 10-for-10 for 121 yards and a touchdown and also totaled 95 yards with his legs for another score.
For the second straight week, Ohio State’s offense was unstoppable. But the question came down to defense and whether or not it would have a better showing than it did in Week 1. It certainly looked every bit as dominating as everyone anticipated headed into the season.
The Buckeyes will face a huge test next week as they travel to Texas to face TCU, another team capable of lighting up the scoreboard. But can the Horned Frogs keep Chase Young, Nick Bosa and Dre’Mont Jones in check?
If the defensive line is as good next Saturday as it was against Rutgers, TCU is in for a long evening.
Rutgers certainly isn’t a great measuring stick, especially with the program having a true freshman under center. The Scarlet Knights offense doesn’t present much of a challenge for a defense as talented as Ohio State’s.
But that shouldn’t diminish what the Buckeyes did and how good they looked. In one week, we’ll find out if Ohio State is the real deal on that side of the ball.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB