The Ohio State Buckeyes managed to have a 3-0 start with a final score of 37-9 against their in-state rivals, the Ohio Bobcats. Ohio State had the lead at halftime, but things weren’t as smooth as the final box score may indicate. Entering the second half, the Buckeyes led by just ten points and had to regroup at the break. The defense played well, but it has been one of those games where players haven’t started off on the same page.

With 2 interceptions, it is obvious that QB1 Julian Sayin did not have a clean game. He may have neglected an open look which could have been a score. Patrick Murphy, Ohio State writer for 247Sports, explained his frustrations with what unfolded in the first half. “Ugly from Ohio State’s offense in the red zone. Julian Sayin didn’t even look at Brandon Inniss open for a touchdown. The run game can’t get going at all. Jeremiah Smith drops a pass, albeit well defended, in the endzone.” That was the story through two quarters. The Buckeyes were searching for ways to rediscover their edge in the red zone.

It wasn’t for lack of opportunity. In the first half, Ohio State twice drove deep into Bobcat territory only to sputter when the field tightened. On one trip, the Buckeyes were inside the 5-yard line but had to settle for a chip shot from kicker Jayden Fielding, who pushed the lead to 6-0 with 9:50 left in the second quarter. The frustration mounted minutes later when Julian Sayin dialed up a shot to Jeremiah Smith at 2:33 in the second quarter. An incompletion that went right through the star freshman’s hands in the end zone. Then came the moment that made everyone inside Ohio Stadium catch their breath: Sayin tried to work underneath, but the pass was tipped and intercepted, setting Ohio up at the Buckeye 40 with a chance to pull the unthinkable.

The good news for Ryan Day’s squad was that the defense looked like it could play 20 straight quarters and never give up a touchdown. They smothered Ohio’s offense, forcing punts, plugging gaps, and overwhelming the line of scrimmage. It was clear that if Ohio State was going to stumble, it wouldn’t be because of the defense. Instead, the jitters lived squarely on offense, where a blend of misreads, poor execution, and lack of rhythm left points on the field.

As the third quarter went on, the Buckeyes were still trudging uphill. The score sat at 16-9, Ohio was clinging to life in a game that should have been over. Sayin’s stat line at that time was 19 completions for 255 yards, two touchdowns, and that lone interception. He was hesitant in spots, missing open reads like the one Murphy spotlighted, and the running game offered no crutch. Jeremiah Smith, for his part, had stuffed the box score with eight catches for 139 yards and a touchdown, but the drop in the end zone loomed large. Even his success carried the duality of brilliance paired with costly mistakes.

Offense must improve to retain top ranking

A young QB-wideout duo like this is learning on the fly in the glare of No. 1 expectations. The yardage totals said the machine was humming. But the eye test revealed misfires and miscues that left doors open against a team that should have been buried by halftime.

Despite the early issues, the Buckeyes found their mojo for the second half. The offense finally cashed in with key touchdowns, and the defense held strong to help secure a much-needed 37-9 win under the lights at the ‘Shoe. That No. 1 crown is not in jeopardy yet. But the Bucks will need to work extra hard to keep it intact after this sluggish offensive display against an unranked team.

Even though they have a relatively easier schedule for a the next few set of games, Illinois and Penn State can provide a challenge. Then their arch rival Michigan waits at the end. They will capitalize on such offensive mistakes. Leaving several easy touchdowns on the board in the first half against a team like the Bobcats will stand out. Especially considering Ohio State put up 70 points on Grambling State just a week ago. Finishing drives will be increasingly important against the heavyweight opponents down the stretch.