Ryan Day called it unacceptable. Well, that’s a start. A grade card on Ohio State’s 35-28 loss to Oregon:
OFFENSE: C
Ohio State rolled up 612 yards total offense, a number which should have produced more than four touchdowns.
OSU had trouble finishing drives. It gained 271 yards in the first half but scored only one touchdown. It started two drives in decent field position in the final seven minutes of the game when a touchdown would have tied the score but didn’t come close to scoring.
Quarterback C.J. Stroud threw for 484 yards and three touchdowns and three receivers — Chris Olave, Garrett Wilson and Jaxon Smith-Njigba — had more than 100 yards in catches. The running game was mediocre against an Oregon defense missing future NFL first-round draft choice Kayvon Thibodeaux at defensive end and two starting linebackers because of injuries.
DEFENSE: D-
Oregon had a good offensive game plan, which Ohio State did not react well to and didn’t adjust to as the game moved along. OSU’s defense appeared mystified by three similar plays that went to the left for easy touchdowns by the Ducks.
Oregon had 505 yards total offense, averaged 7.1 yards per rushing play and scored on a 99-yard drive. C.J. Verdell rushed for 161 yards, including a 77-yard touchdown run. Ohio State’s defensive line, which is supposed to be the strength of the defense, didn’t stop the run, got only minimal pressure on quarterback Anthony Brown and did not have a sack.
The linebackers were seldom noticed and the defensive backfield might be getting even worse after safety Josh Proctor suffered what looked like a serious leg injury in the second half.
SPECIAL TEAMS: A
Punter Jesse Mirco and the punt coverage team pinned Oregon on its own 1-yard line twice. Freshman wide receiver Emeka Egbuka had two solid kickoff returns.
OVERALL: C-
OSU can still win a fifth consecutive Big Ten championship after its first home loss since Baker Mayfield figuratively planted a flag after Oklahoma’s 31-16 win in 2017. But it can’t do that playing like it did Saturday. Defensive coordinator Kerry Coombs and some 5-star recruits are deservedly feeling the heat.
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