Precision passing and Bo Jackson led the Buckeye offense to victory in The Game

The Buckeyes' precision passing game did its part, but the running game went above and beyond in Ohio State’s 27-9 victory over That Team Up North. After an early hiccup from Julian Sayin in the passing game, the Buckeye quarterback carved up the Wolverines like a surgeon.

Touchdown passes to Jeremiah Smith, Brandon Inniss, and Carnell Tate would lead the way for a big day from the Ohio State passing game. Freshman running back Bo Jackson and the Buckeye offensive line would leave their signatures on this victory, too.

Ohio State was on the money when it mattered the most. They came into the game converting 55.8% of their third downs, which is second in college football, and in the biggest game of the regular season, they went 10 of 17, converting 58.8% of their third downs.

Their fourth-down offense was a modest 9 of 13, converting 69.2%, which was 15th in college football. They were around that in The Game, converting two of their three fourth-down attempts.

The offense totaled 419 yards and 27 points. They were near their season average of 440.3 (25th in the nation) yards, and a bit below their season average of 37.9 (11th in the nation) in points per game. Perhaps the most crucial offensive statistic for the Buckeyes didn’t involve yards or touchdowns, but enabled every positive facet for Ohio State. Ohio State didn’t allow a sack in this game. They had allowed only six all season, third best in college football, and didn’t allow a single one in Ann Arbor.

The Buckeyes’ offensive line’s great game paved the way to victory. For the 24th straight time, the team with the most rushing yards won The Game. Austin Siereveld, Luke Montgomery, Carson Hinzman, Tegra Tshabola, and Phillip Daniels made that happen.

Ohio State outrushed UM 186 to 100. Julian Sayin went 19 of 26 for 233 yards and three touchdowns because they kept the defense away from him. Bo Jackson had 117 yards on 22 carries and four catches for 49 yards because they paved the way. This team won because they were true to themselves across the board. They are building a unique story at Ohio State.