Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Purdue Boilermakers: 3 Takeaways From Blowout Big Ten Win
The No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes dominated the Purdue Boilermakers on the road at Ross-Ade Stadium on Saturday, 41-7.
The Buckeyes entered the game without running back Miyan Williams and receiver Emeka Egbuka, the latter of whom did not even make the trip with the team to West Lafayette, Indiana. Running back TreVeyon Henderson, a game-time decision for coach Ryan Day, was ruled out before the opening kick-off.
Here are some of the largest takeaways from Ohio State's strong performance against Purdue:
Running back Dallan Hayden is a tremendous rusher
Day and the Buckeyes relied heavily on the skills of sophomore running back Dallan Hayden in order to defeat the Boilermakers.
Hayden came into the game in relief of running back Chip Trayanum, who left the contest with an injury late in the first half. The Memphis native finished the afternoon with 76 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries after not having a rushing attempt coming this season.
The lack of appearances from Hayden through the first five games of the season has been due to Day's desire to redshirt the young running back. This means Hayden is only allowed to see action in four games this season in order to maintain a year of eligibility.
Day elected to spend one of those four games today, and Hayden made sure the sacrifice was worth it for his coach and teammates.
Discipline should be priority vs. Penn State
Nine penalties were called against the Buckeyes on Saturday, resulting in a loss of 51 total yards. In comparison, the Boilermakers were called for five fouls, which combined for 41 yards.
Seven of Ohio State's nine penalties were called against the offense, including three delay of game calls. In short, the Buckeyes missed out on 15 yards simply because they couldn't get a play and snap the football within 40 seconds.
Day's frustration during these calls was visible to anyone watching the television broadcast on Peacock, as the Buckeyes will not be able to make self-inflicted errors like that against the No. 6 Penn State Nittany Lions next weekend.
Devin Brown has found role in offense
Ohio State backup quarterback Devin Brown saw action on Saturday for the first time in what seems like forever. One of the sophomore's highlights during the game was completing one of his two pass attempts to freshman receiver Brandon Inniss for a 58-yard touchdown.
However, Brown spent most of his first few drives running the football, compiling 20 yards over eight carries. The Gilbert, Ariz. native even recorded a touchdown with his legs, scrambling two yards for Ohio State's second score of the game.
Brown seems to have found his role in Day's offense as a running-threat quarterback whenever the situation call for it or if McCord needs a breather.
