Multiple Buckeyes had huge performances on Saturday as Ohio State dominated Penn State 38-14 in Jim Knowles’ return to Columbus.
What was expected to be a top-five showdown at the start of the season didn’t quite live up to the billing. With the firing of James Franklin and Penn State’s disappointing campaign, the Nittany Lions came into the matchup with plenty of questions. They fought hard in the first half but ultimately ran out of steam, falling 38-14 to the Buckeyes.
The Jim Knowles reunion didn’t go as planned for Penn State, as the Nittany Lions’ defense surrendered 480 total yards — 316 of those through the air. Despite that, several Buckeyes turned in standout performances in the victory.
Julian Sayin
Julian Sayin continues to put on a clinic. The freshman quarterback threw more touchdown passes than incompletions, finishing 20-of-23 for 316 yards and four touchdowns.
Sayin is now the odds-on favorite to win the Heisman Trophy. Many believe that if he maintains this level of play, leads the Buckeyes to a win in Ann Arbor in late November, and outduels Fernando Mendoza in the Big Ten Championship Game, the Heisman will be his to lose.
Jeremiah Smith & Carnell Tate
This dynamic duo was too good not to mention. Smith and Tate combined for 11 receptions, 247 yards, and three touchdowns. Alongside Sayin, they’re putting up video game-like numbers for the Buckeye offense. Guarding Smith and Tate simultaneously is nearly impossible, which creates a pick-your-poison decision for opposing defenses.
Could Smith and Tate both end up as Biletnikoff Award finalists? That’s a legitimate question. There’s a strong chance one of them could win it, which would make them the third Buckeye receiver to earn the honor, joining Terry Glenn and Marvin Harrison Jr.
Kenyatta Jackson
Kenyatta Jackson had his best game of the season, recording two sacks on Ethan Grunkemeyer. He was a disruptive force in the run game as well, finishing with four total tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and three solo stops.
As long as Jackson stays healthy, the Buckeyes’ defensive front will continue to wreak havoc. Alongside Cayden Curry, Zion Grady, and Beau Atkinson, Ohio State’s defensive ends look poised to be one of the most dominant units in the country.
Arvell Reese
Arvell Reese continues to shine in clutch moments. The linebacker totaled 12 tackles (five solo), one sack, and 2.5 tackles for loss, once again proving to be a force to be reckoned with.
Reese has solidified himself as a projected top-10 pick in this spring’s NFL Draft and a frontrunner for the Butkus Award. Along with Sonny Styles, he has anchored and led the nation’s top-ranked defense.
Next Up for the Buckeyes
Ohio State hits the road again, this time traveling to Ross-Ade Stadium to face Purdue. The Boilermakers have struggled under first-year head coach Barry Odom but played Michigan tough in a 21-16 loss last Saturday. Ryan Day’s team is 11-0 ATS in its last twelve games as the Buckeyes look to maintain their dominance.
Kickoff between the Buckeyes and Boilermakers is set for 1 p.m. Saturday on BTN.
