Ohio State football: Confidence level against Purdue

By Eric Boggs | Oct 13, 2023

COLUMBUS, OHIO - NOVEMBER 13: Demario McCall #1 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates after the Buckeyes recover a fumble by the Purdue Boilermakers during the first half of a game at Ohio Stadium on November 13, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

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The Ohio State Football team needs fewer penalties on special teams. (Photo by Ben Jackson/Getty Images) /

Special Teams – Confidence Level 8

Just like the offense and defense, the Ohio State special team’s unit is much better than what Purdue has produced this year. Purdue is only 3-6 in field goal attempts this season. Both kickers, Ben Freehill, and Julio Macias have missed at different times. Jayden Fielding, on the other hand, is a perfect 7-7 on his field goal attempts for Ohio State through five games.

I’m not sure how much special teams will play a part in this weekend’s game. Given the forecast and the expected advantage for the Buckeyes, I just don’t see this game being close enough for anyone to be counting on a special team’s advantage one way or the other.

That being said, we are still waiting on Ohio State to break a punt or kick return for a touchdown. With Egbuka expected to sit this one out, look for Jayden Ballard to be the primary punt returner for the Buckeyes. If the weather is indeed poor, don’t look for Ballard to take any risks, but rather, be instructed to secure the punt and make sure the Ohio State offense is given a chance to run a series. My confidence level in the special teams this week is at an eight.

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