Mike Weber scored three short-yardage touchdowns and Johnnie Dixon finished with over 100 yards receiving with two scores-one of them being a seventy-yard touchdown as the standouts in the victory.
Ohio State moved to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in the Big Ten and will play Maryland, a surprising winner at Minnesota Saturday and down to their third quarterback of the season in Columbus...
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1) I noted last week that these blowout games are the hardest for me to get up for to do reviews.
I had such little expectations for this game-I went to bed for a nap before work, watched the second half at work and watched the first half later on the BTN network at work later that morning.
This was no different, I assure you...
2) Just another Rutgers blowout.
By the way, Rutgers was put on probation earlier this week and were relieved to not be placed on the non-bowl list, not that they have anything to worry about there.
I still say the decision to acquire Rutgers for the conference will turn out to be one that they regret.
Rutgers won't be competitive very often if at all, they have not delivered the New York market as every league that was rumored to expand considered them for that reason (most people figured out that they wouldn't) and they are a blight on the league.
The only thing is that the Big Ten network is in the NYC media market on their systems, so that's what they wanted, so I hope they are pleased with that as the league cuts checks to a university that contributes nothing to the league.
3) More Rutgers.
Coaches always say that there are no moral victories, but former Buckeye defensive coordinator and current Scarlet Knights big boss Chris Ash attempted to manufacture one as he pulled a "Steve Robinson" with seconds to go.
Ohio State leads 56-0 and Rutgers has moved the ball with a seven-minute drive against the backup and third-string defense, but it is now 4th and 4 at the Ohio State 14 and roughly forty seconds to go.
Now normally, teams will go for it in this situation because a touchdown late blah blah blah.
Ash sends their kicker on the field for a field goal attempt to avoid the shutout that even the seven remaining Rutgers fans at this point uncork a loud groan that you can hear on the broadcast.
Now, I don't care about the shutout of Rutgers, these things happen pretty frequently against teams of their caliber, but still when their fans sign-it's not good.
Andrew Harte then slams his kick off the upright from 32 yards away.
Steve Robinson never had moral victories either for the record.
4) Finally to Ohio State.
628 yards of offense.
Second year in a row with over 600 yards against Rutgers and fourth year in a row with 500 or more yards against the Scarlet Knights.
The ending chorus to "Where have all the flowers gone" ends with "When will they ever learn"?
Rutgers...SMH...
5) J.T. Barrett's night of passing saw him throw some long passes and even connected with them.
Barrett threw the ball downfield with a 70 yard pass to Johnnie Dixon and missed another long score with a nicely thrown ball that was called back for offensive pass interference.
I've been critical of Barrett for not being able to open up the offense downfield, which hurt the Buckeyes against good teams.
This is Rutgers, so not that big of a deal, but hopefully, things are looking up for the offense.
6) J.T. Barrett passed Art Schlichter to become the all-time leader in passing yardage at Ohio State.
Just goes to show how players that play and stick around for four years tend to roll up career numbers.
It's not difficult to figure out.
7) Buckeye receivers continue to try to break out.Binjimen Victor had a 46 yard catch and a leaping touchdown catch, Johnnie Dixon had a 70 yarder as noted and finished for over 100 yards and Terry McLaurin caught five passes and threw a vicious block that wiped out a Knight so well, he was called for roughness.
I know-it's Rutgers, but still some hopes that the wide receivers that came with so many questions might be on their way to straightening out...
8) Running game?
Ran over game is more like it as Mike Weber scored three times on ten carries as he's finally healthy, J.K.Dobbins ripped off a 34 yard run on one of his six carries and DeMario McCall galloped on a 48 yard touchdown run and went over 100 yards on the day.
Add in J.T. Barrett's 89 yards with a long of 37 and the running game was strong.
I know-it's Rutgers....
9) Demario McCall scored a touchdown in the passing game as Dwayne Haskins hit McCall with a nice touch for the score.
McCall showed quite a bit of speed and verve and even though the Buckeyes have two nice backs in J.K.Dobbins and Mike Weber, McCall looks like he just might be the best fit for the role Curtis Samuel filled last season.
10) It'll be interesting to see how things go against Maryland next week.
The Terrapins are down to their third-string QB but played well on the road in a mild upset over previously undefeated Minnesota.
Ohio State is in a run where the Buckeyes gradually increase their level of competition before meeting Penn State.
Rutgers, then Maryland who's a little better, Nebraska who has a better quarterback situation than Maryland and that's in Lincoln before Penn State.
The progression must continue to be ready for Penn State.
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