Lorenzo Styles was a star on defense and special teams, returning a kickoff for a touchdown as Ohio State beat UCLA 48-10.
A beautiful 60-degree night in “The Shoe” in mid-November ended with the Buckeyes moving to 10-0 on the season. With basketball legends in attendance to honor Jerry Lucas, the Bruins were no match for Ohio State as new Buckeye stars emerged in the blowout victory.
James Peoples
James Peoples delivered one of his best performances as a Buckeye, hurdling defenders on his way to a two-touchdown night. He finished with 42 yards on just six carries, showcasing both efficiency and explosiveness.
Along with freshmen Bo Jackson and Isaiah West, the Buckeye backfield helped power an Ohio State rushing attack that surpassed 200 yards for the first time this season. The ground game is beginning to find its groove as the Buckeyes continue to evolve offensively.
With the regular season winding down, look for the sophomore running back’s role to expand even further.
Brandon Inniss, Bryson Rodgers, Mylan Graham
With superstar wideouts Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate sidelined due to injury, the trio of Brandon Inniss, Bryson Rodgers, and Mylan Graham was called upon to step up, and they delivered.
Inniss made several key first-down grabs, finishing with six receptions for 30 yards. Rodgers added two catches for 27 yards and a touchdown, while Graham contributed three receptions for 40 yards.
In the absence of Smith and Tate, it was encouraging to see the depth of the Ohio State receiver room shine as Julian Sayin’s Heisman campaign marches on. Expect expanded roles for all three receivers over the final two games of the regular season.
Lorenzo Styles Jr.
Lorenzo Styles Jr. put on a show in multiple phases of the game. Early in the second half, he broke Ohio State’s long-standing drought without a kickoff return for a touchdown, taking one 100 yards to the house. His return was the Buckeyes’ first since Jordan Hall accomplished the feat in the 2010 Michigan game.
Styles Jr. didn’t just shine on special teams; he made his presence felt on defense as well. He finished second on the team with five total tackles (three solo), trailing only his brother, Sonny Styles, who recorded seven tackles, including two solo stops and one tackle for loss.
Up Next
Ohio State returns home next week for Senior Day against Rutgers. Kickoff will be at Noon on Fox. Look for Ryan Day to send the seniors out with a strong performance against Greg Schiano’s Scarlet Knights.
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