PLAYERS TO WATCH
–QB Dwayne Haskins once again displayed amazing accuracy in another impressive performance against Tulane that earned him Big Ten co-Offensive Player of the Week honors. The sophomore played the first half only and completed 21-of-24 passes for 304 yards and five touchdowns in the 49-6 victory. After four games, Haskins has completed 75.7 percent of his throws for 16 touchdowns and one interception. His quarterback rating is 207.0. It may sound like hyperbole, but Haskins is already being mentioned as potentially the greatest passer in Ohio State history as well as an early Heisman Trophy candidate.
–WR Parris Campbell worked hard in the offseason to improve his ball skills and it’s paying off. The fifth-year senior’s decision to stay in college in 2018 rather than pursue the NFL Draft was a wise one, coach Urban Meyer said after Saturday’s 49-6 victory over Tulane. Campbell had career highs of eight catches for 174 yards and two touchdowns (both in the first quarter). He leads the team in touchdown catches with five and in receiving yards with 299. His 19 catches are two behind team leader K.J. Hill’s 21.
–RB J.K Dobbins may be counted on more heavily in Ohio State’s showdown on Saturday at Penn State, especially if fellow RB Mike Weber is slowed by a foot injury he sustained during the second quarter of last week’s win over Tulane. Ohio State’s running game likely will be challenged more against Penn State. Dobbins carried only 11 times for 55 yards and one touchdown against Tulane before sitting out the second half, but he is the Buckeyes’ leading rusher through four games with 323 yards on 56 carries (5.8-yard average).
–LB Dante Booker led Ohio State’s defense in the win over Tulane with one sack, three tackles for loss and four solo stops. The fifth-year senior has battled injuries throughout his career and his contributions and experience could boost a defense that will be tested this week by Penn State QB Trace McSorley and RB Miles Sanders. Booker has eight total tackles through four games.
SERIES HISTORY: Ohio State leads Penn State 18-14. The Buckeyes have a 7-6 record in games played at Penn State.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “He’s a very poised quarterback. Watching him on tape you would have thought he is a third-year starter. He handles things really well out there. He’s got a big arm, good touch.” — Tulane coach Willie Fritz on Ohio State sophomore QB Dwayne Haskins
