Ohio State Buckeyes Lead Purdue at Halftime After First-Half Shutout

A strong defensive performance and even better offensive showing allowed Ohio State Buckeyes coach Ryan Day's squad to take a 20-point lead at halftime, paving the way for his team to earn its sixth straight win.

With a protected spot in the top-4 and a chance to turn a five-game winning streak into a six-game one, the Ohio State Buckeyes hit the road to Ross-Ade Stadium to face their conference rival Purdue Boilermakers on Saturday.

The name of the game coming in for the visiting buckeyes was a fast start and a strong defense. Stopping Purdue from finding momentum in front of its home crowd was the way to do that, and the Buckeyes took full advantage. 

Heading to the halftime locker room with a 20-0 lead, the Buckeyes not only found success on offense — mainly through Kyle McCord, who finished the half with over 100 passing yards and two touchdowns — but on defense, too. 

Until the last drive of the first half, the Boilermakers only managed to tally 62 total yards of offense. Their last drive did give them some forward momentum, but it also further proved Ohio State's defensive dominance. 

Purdue had a 1st-and-Goal from the one-yard line, and couldn't punch it in, with a sack by Jack Sawyer and JT Tuimoloau setting up the second missed Boilermakers field goal of the half to keep the Buckeyes' shutout intact.

Oct 14, 2023; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Gee Scott Jr. (88) congratulates Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) after a touchdown during the first half at Ross-Ade Stadium / © Robert Goddin, USA TODAY

Ohio State leads its series against Purdue 41-15-2 all-time, and 9-5 past 2000. Those five losses all came in Ross-Ade Stadium, but if Ohio State's defense re-finds its groove, Saturday's game won't likely extend that trend.

Coach Ryan Day's squad was dealt an early blow injury-wise, as Chip Trayanum displayed concerning symptoms of a possible head injury late in the first quarter. So, with TreVeyon Henderson already ruled out, the Buckeyes' run game was and will continue to be led by Dallan Hayden, giving the sophomore a chance to showcase his talents. 

Purdue's last-minute stifled sign of life was telling, as it was once again unable to notch points against Ohio State's defense. The Buckeyes, on the other hand, have found their groove all afternoon. 

Between McCord's two scores and Marvin Harrison Jr.'s offensive presence, it looked easy for the Scarlet & Grey on the road, which is what they had hoped for entering Saturday afternoon.

Ohio State, after winning the coin toss, will receive the ball to begin the second half.