It was another grind it out game for Ohio State Football, but as they have done all season long, they prevailed, defeating Wisconsin on the road 24-10.
The Buckeyes continue to rely on their defense to help win them games, a stark contrast from what we have seen from past Ryan Day coached teams. It’s been a complete 180 degree turn this season.
This was a solid win, but one where not too many Ohio State players made a huge impact on. However, the ones below did and here are the players that I believe earned their Buckeyes leaves withe the hard fought win against Wisconsin Saturday night in Mad-town.
Defensive tackle Tyleik Williams
Ohio State CB Davison Igbinosun said earlier this season that DT Tyleik Williams is part of "BIA."
This is why.
Williams' 5th batted down pass of the season, this one on 3rd-and-7, which forces a Wisconsin punt. pic.twitter.com/BKE6AJ4n6t
— Andy Backstrom (@andybackstrom) October 28, 2023
Why
He’s an absolute menace on the interior. Williams has been consistently good this year, and it showed against the Badgers again. From start to finish he was making plays. When Williams can’t get to the quarterback, he’s knocking down passes. His elite disengage abilities got him a tackle-for-loss near the goal line at the end of the third quarter. A sack in the fourth, came with a few pressures as well. Great game tonight.
Defensive end Jack Sawyer
Ohio State DE J.T. Tuimoloau was down on the field for a bit after colliding with fellow DE Jack Sawyer here.
Eventually got up and jogged off. pic.twitter.com/4Li4ZDbI8X
— Andy Backstrom (@andybackstrom) October 29, 2023
Why
It’s reasonable to say that Sawyer won’t ever put up big sack numbers with the Buckeyes, but he does his job very well. He’s great at setting the edge, not allowing plays get around him even if he’s not making them. Sawyer had a nice tackle-for-loss on the goal line stop at the end of the half as well.
Linebacker Tommy Eichenberg
Ohio State LB Tommy Eichenberg shut down this Wisconsin shovel pass to RB Braelon Allen.
Allen was injured on the play and is now on the sideline for the upcoming 4th-and-1. pic.twitter.com/4y3BCoxrYg
— Andy Backstrom (@andybackstrom) October 29, 2023
Why
He isn’t racking up double-digit tackles this year, but his impact is still there. Eichenberg flies all over the field making plays, or helping on them. Another one of the players who got a big tackle during the goal line stop, this Buckeye leader earned his leaves.
Running back TreVeyon Henderson
TREVEYON HENDERSON! pic.twitter.com/Q5bLarCqBN
— Mr Matthew CFB (@MrMatthew_CFB) October 29, 2023
Why
The oft-injured Henderson came off another injury, but it didn’t look like it. He was so active with his movements and looked fast and powerful. The back makes this offense so much better, grinding out a 33-yard scoring run in the 4th quarter. Henderson staying healthy is a huge key for the Buckeyes to achieve all their goals this year.
Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.
Marvin Harrison Jr, ladies and gentlemen👑
— PFF College (@PFF_College) October 29, 2023
Why
Elite. Him. Marvin Harrison Jr. is that dude. It’s a weekly occurrence where he wows us, this time on his second touchdown catch. A highly contested one, where he had to reach over the defender, get a foot down, then hold onto the ball as he hit the ground. Wow moments every game from Harrison Jr.
Punter Jesse Mirco
Ohio State’s season long tribute to Jim Tressel continues
— "The" Mike F Chen (@MikeFChen) October 29, 2023
Why
I feel like I mention this every week, this is a Jim Tressel team. His favorite play, the punt. Tress would be proud of Mirco today because he was great. The yardage total wasn’t fantastic, but that’s because two of them were from Wisconsin territory. It’s those two that were fantastic, both inside the 10, one at the seven yard line and the other at the five. The sweater vest lives on.
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