One key thing Ohio State wanted to check off their list for the second game was a fast start. Wish granted for Ryan Day and the Buckeyes after forcing a three and out to the Broncos. Ohio State drove right down the field to score a 3 yard touchdown run by TreyVeon Henderson making it 7-0 at the 11:04 mark of the first quarter. After that it was smooth sailing for the Buckeyes the rest of the way.
Ryan Day seemed very pleased and optimistic after the fast start tonight which was an issue last week against Akron. “It was the way we practiced this week. We had a good practice on Tuesday and an even better one on Wednesday. There was good energy at practice, when you’re going against each other good on good. Even the attention to detail was good for us this week. Everyone was sharp tonight, not that the execution was perfect, it wasn’t, but there was an energy about it and you just have to keep building on that. Navy seals say it all the time; you’re going to sync to the level of your training. I just knew that if we played in this game like we practiced all week that it was going to be a good night for us.”
Good was an understatement. The Buckeyes compiled 686 total yards against the Broncos with 270 of that on the ground. As far as the defensive play goes, Ohio State would only give up 99 yards Saturday night in front of 102,000 screaming fans at Ohio Stadium. No turnovers for the Buckeyes but the defensive force of their rush defense stopped the Broncos from gaining any momentum.
Quinshon Judkins and TreyVeon Henderson combined for 170 yards and four touchdowns, splitting two each. Rush defense was a weakness for the Broncos last week and Ohio State exploited that. On the receiving end of things, true freshman Jeremiah Smith reeled in 6 grabs for 128 yards including a 70 yard touchdown reception. It’s safe to say that Smith continues earn his targets and impress the coaches and the fan base through the first two games.
The final score would look perfect, 56-0 as Ohio State improved to 2-0 on the 2024 season. Western Michigan dropped to 0-2. The Buckeyes are off next week with the first of two byes this season. Marshall will be Ohio State’s next opponent on September 21st at noon. Ohio State passed the eye test Saturday night on alumni band night with flying colors.