Observations on the first half with the Buckeyes, 10-14
Each team gains two red zones each, but the Buckeyes capitalize both for 14 points while the Wolverines can only manage 10. Neither team has turned the ball over.
Offense gained 226 yards, 14 first downs, and gained a 15 play advantage due to an 8 minute time of possession advantage; the Wolverines were 8 of 11 in 3rd down conversions. Jake Rudock was 14 of 24 for 174 yards and a TD. Jabrill Peppers gained 21 yards on 5 carries, and caught 2 passes for 25 yards. DeVeon Smith gained 15 yards on 6 carries, and caught 2 passes for 29 yards. Jehu Chesson caught 4 passes for 53 yards and a TD. Joshua Perry has 8 tackles for the Buckeyes.
Defense was horrible! Ohio State gained 189 yards, 171 on the ground as Ezekiel Elliott ran 10 times for 99 yards and a TD with a 66 yarder. J.T. Barrett gained 64 yards on 8 carries for their other TD; he was 3 of 6 for 12 yards with a 12 yarder to Michael Thomas. Ohio State was 2 of 4 in 3rd down conversions with 9 first downs. Jourdan Lewis led the defense with 4 tackles including a sack. Joe Bolden had a really bad first half missing the fill on the Elliott 66 yarder, and the Barrett TD.
Special Teams got two touchbacks on kickoffs from Kenny Allen plus a field goal and an extra point. Blake O'Neill punted twice for a 41 yard average including one downed at the 6. Penalties continue to be a problem for this team, 4 penalties for 33 yards including a personal foul by Tyree Kinnel that kept a Buckeye drive alive after a 3 & out; Jeremy Clark negated a Jourdan Lewis kickoff return to nearly midfield.
Second half had better show improvement from D.J. Durkin and company if we are to win this one! We've got to keep time of possession advantage, and hopefully get some Buckeye turnovers to win this one. Let's stop the Buckeyes on the first drive, and get the lead for good. Go Blue!