Rutgers Gets Beatdown in Columbus

This one actually started off the opposite than it has most of the season. It was only a 6-0 Buckeye lead after the first quarter. Chris Laviano looked good as did Robert Martin and the defense. We were able to move the ball and we intercepted Heisman candidate J.T. Barrett on his first drive.

Then the rest of the game happened...

J.T. Barrett and Ohio State scored three touchdowns before the half, putting them up 30-0. Barrett would run and throw his way as he pleased through the Knights’ defense. We were doing a pretty good job tackling and in coverage, he just put the ball in perfect spots. It also does not help when Ohio State’s Offensive Line opened up holes the size of cars.

Chris Laviano started off 2/2 then went 1/10 after that. He finished 3/12 for 33 yards. All three of these receptions to Jawuan Harris. Robert Martin started off grinding for the extra yards, but he eventually ran out of space. He had 40 yards on 13 carries.

The Rutgers Offense only gained a total of 116 total yards and gave up a colossal 669 yards. The only statistic we won was the turnover battle. We were +1 on the day. Yippee.

Buckeye running back Mike Weber had his way on the ground today. He scored once and amassed 144 yards on 14 carries. Even Freshman back Demario McCall had a big day with 10 carries for 85 yards and a touchdown

Tylin Oden came on in relief for Chris Laviano and he finally attempted a pass. He did not have great accuracy and, when he was accurate, his receivers dropped the ball. He was 0/4 and only rushed for 14 yards.

The most important aspect for both of these teams today was the experience the younger players gained. Ohio State had phenoms Joe Burrow, McCall, and Binjimin Victor all on the field. I guarantee you will know those names pretty well sooner than later.

For Rutgers, Goodwin got some quality touches yet again and Tylin Oden needed all of the reps he got. Trey Sneed also got a few touches at the end of the game.The garbage time provides these young athletes a good chance to show the coaches what they are made of and gives the fans a glimpse into the future.

This game may have been painful to watch, but Rutgers was playing really well until the Greg Jones injury; maybe that effected them a little? At least Jones seems to be doing alright.

We will see if Ohio State is this good or if Rutgers is this bad next week back at home against Michigan. Remember what happened last time Michigan came to Piscataway? I do, one of the greatest nights I have been a part of.