COLUMBUS, Ohio — Offered solely with the rating of Ohio State soccer’s 54-10 thumping of Iowa, one would possibly assume the Buckeyes dominated because the have all through a lot of the season.

Solely those that watched perceive how a lot OSU’s beforehand unflinching offense wanted assist. Its attacking protection — and an Iowa offense keen to provide the ball away prefer it was a grenade with the pin pulled — obliged.

The Buckeyes got here in main the nation in scoring offense, yards per play and quarterback effectivity. An offense used to turning one play into six factors from anyplace on the sector as an alternative turned quick fields into lengthy area targets.

Early within the fourth quarter, Ohio State had transformed solely 2 of 10 third downs whereas averaging 2.47 sack-adjusted yards per carry. C.J. Stroud’s Heisman Trophy marketing campaign hit a critical pace bump with two turnovers — together with a fumble returned for the one landing Iowa might hope to handle. One other interception late within the fourth quarter, when Stroud remained within the recreation with a 47-10 lead, was negated by offsetting penalties.

Iowa put cornerback Riley Moss on OSU receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., and the reigning Large Ten Defensive Participant of the Yr held the budding star in examine a lot of the day. Jack Campbell, the preseason Large Ten Defensive Participant of the Yr within the annual cleveland.com ballot, intercepted Stroud’s first cross try of the second half.

Oh, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba could also be harm once more after getting back from the hamstring damage that stored him out for the higher a part of the season’s first six video games.

Finest case situation: Iowa really is the most effective protection OSU sees throughout the common season. Saturday’s efficiency put teachable moments on movie for an offense able to erupting towards anybody.

Worst case situation: This offensive efficiency is repeatable, and the following time that stifles OSU brings alongside a reliable offense of its personal.

Silver Bullet fashion

The Buckeye protection smothered an Iowa protection within the midst of an historic season of ineptitude.

Zach Harrison was the most effective participant on the sector – an vital day of domination for the senior defensive finish. He contributed two tackles for loss, a cross breakup and a quarterback hurry together with a strip-sack of Iowa’s Spencer Petras.

That was one in all 5 takeaways by the OSU protection. Tanner McCalister intercepted two passes – one by every quarterback – and Tommy Eichenberg returned one other for his first profession pick-six.

That was additionally the one takeaway transformed right into a landing, as Noah Ruggles transformed area targets on the opposite 4.

Iowa went all the first quarter with out a first down and completed 1 of 11 on third down.

Crucial defensive improvement was the introduction of Jordan Hancock again into the cornerback rotation. He was the primary off the bench behind starters Denzel Burke and JK Johnson after lacking the primary six video games with damage.

Out and in

Jaxon Smith-Njigba returned from a three-game absence, began and caught a single 7-yard cross. Then after operating a deep out route within the second quarter, he barely limped to the sideline and didn’t play one other snap.

The issue seemed to be a re-aggravation of the hamstring damage that has plagued his season. He was seen making an attempt to stretch out his higher leg and speaking to OSU’s medical workers on the sideline.

Smith-Njigba is clearly pushing to be on the sector as a lot as potential. Saturday, although, indicated his availability might stay a week-to-week proposition.

What it means

Clearly, loads of groups can not beat anybody 54-10, particularly one other Energy 5 convention foe. Most of Saturday’s points regarded fixable.

This was one of many themes of the week, although. By what commonplace is Ohio State judging itself whereas rolling by way of the Large Ten. In context, that first half of offense leaves loads of room for enchancment.

What’s subsequent

What projected as a troublesome regular-season schedule for Ohio State has folded right into a gauntlet of mediocrity. Maybe the approaching journey to Penn State will show to be the exception, however it positive didn’t appear like it as Michigan was operating up a 41-17 victory final week. That recreation was not as shut because the rating indicated.

Then again, the Nittany Lions have a minimum of a stable protection of their very own. Whereas the Sean Clifford-led offense has had its personal points, it isn’t as fully impotent as what Iowa is placing on the sector.

Ohio State might want to take higher benefit of what may very well be fewer selection alternatives.

Get the most recent Ohio State Buckeyes merchandise: Right here’s the place you’ll be able to order Ohio State soccer gear on-line, together with jerseys, T-shirts, hoodies, hats and far more.

For those who or a liked one has questions and desires to speak to knowledgeable about playing, name the Ohio Downside Playing Helpline at 1-800-589-9966 or the Nationwide Council on Program Playing Helpline (NCPG) at 1-800-522-4700.

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