The Ohio State Buckeyes remained undefeated after dominating the Rutgers Scarlet Knights. The offense was more run based than usual and the defense continued to be stingy, only allowing 10 points. With both sides of the ball ranking in the top 10 nationally, success will continue.
The game had an interesting start. after a Rutgers three-and-out, Ohio State punt returner Emeka Egbuka muffed the punt. This allowed the Rutgers offense to put up a quick touchdown on the ensuing possession and take a 7-0 lead. However, the Buckeyes would score 28 unanswered and eventually outscore Rutgers 49-10. There were outstanding performances on both sides of the ball, topped by the following:
OFFENSE:
Top Performer: Miyan Williams
With the Buckeyes still remaining cautious with TreVeyon Henderson due to an injury, Miyan saw the bulk of the carries. His record-setting performance made him the clear offensive star of the day. Miyan rushed 21 times for 189 yards and 5 touchdowns. His 5 TDs tied him with Keith Byars and Pete Johnson for most all-time in a game by a Buckeye. The former backup running back has shined in the lead role while Henderson gets healthy.
🚨 OHIO STATE RECORD 🚨
— The Silver Bulletin (@tSilverBulletin) October 1, 2022
Miyan Williams has tied the Ohio State single-game rushing touchdown record with FIVE SCORES TODAY 🤯 pic.twitter.com/pvHuHiWb4d
Honorable Mention: Julian Fleming
Fleming has continually shown this season why he was the #1 WR in his class. Despite a tough injury battle early on in his young career, the Buckeye is making the most of every opportunity. He hauled in four Stroud passes for 51 yards and a score.
DEFENSE:
Top Performer: Steele Chambers
The former running back has thrived since his transition to linebacker. Especially under the direction of new defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. Steele recorded 11 tackles- 2 for loss- and also snagged an interception. In media interviews earlier this week, Jim Knowles joked about Chambers being tackled on the interception runback saying, “No wonder they moved you from running back.” Chambers remains an essential part of the defensive scheme and it is exciting to see him playing well.
Honorable Mention: Remainder of Defense
Ryan Day expressed his desire for a top-ten defense and Knowles seconded that expectation. Currently, the Buckeyes sit 10th in yards allowed per game at 263.8. The defense is 11th overall, according to NCAA.com, while ranking 13th and 14th in yards per play and total yards allowed. With a much-improved defense to support an elite offense, the Buckeyes appear to be in great shape for a National Championship run.
LOOK AHEAD:
Ohio State travels to East Lansing to face the 2-3 Michigan State Spartans on Saturday. Kickoff is at 4:00 pm EST on ABC.
Featured Image: Kyle Robertson, Columbus Dispatch
Gabe Woodcox is a content contributor for The Silver Bulletin. He is a native of Cleveland, Ohio, and a graduate of The Ohio State University with a major of Sport Industry. Gabe has been working closely with Ohio State athletics during his sport industry tenure, writing for BuckeyesNews and working most recently with 97.1 The Fan. He is an avid Buckeye basketball and sports betting fanatic and will continue his education in a Turf Management Masters program next fall.