Ohio State might have put its most complete game together in a public flogging over Michigan State Saturday. It was thorough dominance from start to finish, and almost all facets of the game performed at a high level.
Add that to the weirdness of some significant starters missing the game because of coronavirus precautions and protocols, and the win was even more impressive. It all kept the loftiest of goals still on the table for the Buckeyes, and now we pause and wait to see if The Game can be played against That Team Up North. In the meantime, it appears all the lofty goals are still in play for Ohio State.
With that in mind, we give you five things we learned about the Buckeyes victory over the Spartans Saturday.
NEXT … Can you say depth?
Ohio State’s depth was on display
Ohio State will be without multiple starters for today's game at Michigan State, including three from the offensive line: https://t.co/OxWkZwnhf5
— Joey Kaufman (@joeyrkaufman) December 5, 2020
It’s one thing to say, it’s another thing to see. We always hear about how much depth and talent the Ohio State football program has, and that is typically backed up on paper with monster recruiting class after monster recruiting class.
Against Michigan State that was put to the test. Several starters were out because they were dealing with protocols and guidelines associated with some positive coronavirus tests.
And so, most of the offensive line, as well the linebacking corps had some fill-ins that did an admirable job being the next man up. As the game approached sunset, we got even further into the depth chart and still saw the Buckeyes have success.
Yes, the future is still bright in Columbus, even during the gray sky days of late fall/early winter.
NEXT … Welcome back Justin Fields
Justin Fields had himself a bounce-back game
Justin Fields couldn't be stopped through the air or on the ground 😤
🔴 199 Pass Yards
🔴 104 Rush Yards
🔴 2 Pass TDs
🔴 2 Rush TDs pic.twitter.com/CAStwS6zE4— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 5, 2020
I mean, to be real, there are a lot of quarterbacks that would like to throw for 300 yards and have the game called a bad one. But that’s what we had last time we saw Justin Fields slinging the ball all over the field against Indiana. Unfortunately, that’s because he slung things to the wrong team a few times.
But not so Saturday. Fields played fantasic, making good decisions, accurate throws, and put the team in the best position to win. He only threw 24 passes, but was efficient with 199 yards and two touchdowns. Frankly, it was probably the game plan needed for a short-week or preparation with not everyone available.
Now, keep things going from here.
NEXT … Fields on the ground
We saw more electricity on the ground from Fields
First game in two weeks and Justin Fields has already found the end zone 😤
📺 ABC pic.twitter.com/04SjCkHdcd
— ESPN (@espn) December 5, 2020
So far this year and last, we haven’t seen a concerted effort to get Justin Fields involved in the running game. He’s such a good passer, and the risk of injury so great, that it doesn’t make a lot of sense to pull the trigger on showing off his skills on the ground.
However, he showed off his moves being a pedestrian against the Spartans and rolled up 104 yards and two touchdowns just like Fred Flintstone drove his car. We often forget how dynamic and lighting quick he is, but we were reminded of that pretty remarkably in Spartan Stadium.
Don’t expect too much of this going forward, but it’s nice to know there’s another arrow in the quiver if needed.
NEXT … Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson
Olave and Wilson are one of the best receiver tandems in the country
This is a throw certain trophy-winners make. 🏆
We're not saying, we're just saying. 👀@justnfields and @OhioStateFB have been dominant today: pic.twitter.com/mhbmPa5uox
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) December 5, 2020
Preparing for Ohio State’s offense has to be a nightmare for the opposition. Not only do you have multiple weapons on offense to account for, but even within position groups, you have to pick your poison.
Take the wide receiver room for example. You have several playmakers there, but namely, two top-end, polished guys that can make for a bad day on defense at any time. Both Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson can gain separation and go the distance on any play. One fits in the slot, the other out wide so there’s really no way to cover both.
Take away Wilson and Olave will burn you. Try to bracket Olave and Wilson will have a monster day. In this one, it was Olave’s turn. He caught a whopping ten passes for 139 yards and a score.
Good luck Michigan.
NEXT … Playoff or bust
How can anyone in their right mind keep Ohio State out of the College Football Playoff
Winners and losers from Week 14 of the college football season. https://t.co/kzmRqalgMV
— USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) December 6, 2020
Look, I know there’s a little debate out there about Ohio State not playing enough games to be sent to the college football land of milk and honey. But throw that out with last week’s expired milk because it’s all a little sour from teams knocking at the door trying to get in, and the Buckeyes are in the way.
You saw the talent on display Saturday and so did everyone else that bothered to tune in. We also now understand that Indiana (without its starting quarterback) might be as good as advertised with a win over Wisconsin. So that win over a “top-ten” team might actually be just that.
Regardless of whether Ohio State can play against Michigan or not this coming weekend, and all the drama over the status of its eligibility for the Big Ten Championship Game up in the air, the Buckeyes are one of the four best teams.
Do the right thing College Football Playoff Committee. Restore our faith in humanity.
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