The Ohio State defense all but shut out Purdue Sat. night at the Buckeyes defeated the Boilermakers 23-7. Going into the game the Purdue had the #1 offense in the Big Ten averaging more than 45 points per game and running up an average of almost 500 yards per game.
Sat. night though things were different. The Buckeyes played this game exactly as they needed to. The first two Ohio State possessions resulted in touchdowns forcing the Boilermakers to play from behind. Something they could not put together considering the speed and ability of the Ohio State Defense.
There is no question that this defense is one of the best we have seen in a long time. They are comparable to the national championship defense of 2002 and if they continue to develop, may be even better by the time Michigan rolls around.
The offense looked good but Boeckman needs some serious work on the long ball. Boeckman threw three interceptions that were caught around the Purdue five. Each of which, if caught would have easily resulted in Ohio State points. I like the way the offense came out early though. Tressel had the Buckeyes going long forcing Purdue to cover. As Purdue adjusted, out came the running game. Some improvement in the long pass and this could be a very effective offensive style.
The Buckeyes have a couple of weekends do build before traveling to Penn State. Next week they take on Kent State and the weekend after Michigan State travels to the shoe. I thought that Michigan State was going turn into something of a threat but after today’s 48-41 loss to Northwestern, I’m not so worried. As for Kent State, the way college football has played out so far this year, maybe this is the game I should be worried about. I’m not though. Tressel brings his team every game and you just watch Tuesday’s press conference. Tressel will be talking as if Kent State were any other Big Ten game.
As for the rankings? With USC losing to Stanford, the Buckeyes move to at least #3. Cal has an off week but when the BCS comes out, don’t be surprised to see Ohio State in the #2 spot.
I don’t know about you but I’ve heard New Orleans can be very nice in January.
