PLAYERS TO WATCH
–QB Dwayne Haskins managed to survive a big test on the road against Penn State last week in Ohio State’s 27-26 victory. The Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week completed 22 of 39 passes for 270 yards and three touchdowns, with one interception that resulted from a tipped ball. His completion percentage would have been better if not for several dropped passes in the first half. The redshirt sophomore showed poise in the fourth quarter, rallying the Buckeyes from a 26-14 deficit. He directed an impressive eight-play, 96-yard drive in 2:32 ending with a 24-yard touchdown pass to WR K.J. Hill that gave Ohio State the lead with 2:03 left in the game. Penn State’s defense did expose Haskins’ lack of mobility, but he was sacked only one time.
–DE Chase Young filled the void left by the absence of injured Nick Bosa and made a number of key plays in the 27-26 victory over Penn State. The Big Ten co-Defensive Player of the Week made his impact with two sacks, three tackles for loss, six total tackles, two pass breakups and two quarterback hits. While the Ohio State defense was largely unable to contain Penn State QB Trace McSorley, it could have been worse if not for Young’s presence. His play will continue to be critical for Ohio State’s defense this week against Indiana and going forward until Bosa returns.
–P Drue Chrisman was an unsung hero in Ohio State’s come-from-behind victory at Penn State last week. Punters aren’t usually listed as a player to watch, but Chrisman’s contribution proved pivotal in that game and could be again in future games. The second-year starter was called on nine times to punt and averaged 47.9 yards in a difficult white-out environment in State College. Chrisman was able to flip field position early in the game when Ohio State’s offense was bogged down, helping to keep Penn State from opening a big lead. Three of his punts were downed inside the 20-yard line in the first half. After five games, Chrisman is ranked 15th nationally and second in the Big Ten with a 44.6-yard average.
–RB J.K. Dobbins has been steady but not spectacular in Ohio State’s first five games. Saturday’s win at Penn State was no different for the sophomore. He finished with 57 yards and one rushing touchdown on 17 carries and had two receptions for 61 yards, including a 26-yard touchdown from QB Dwayne Haskins late in the first half for the Buckeyes’ first points. Dobbins has one 100-yard rushing game this season (121 vs. TCU), but part of that is attributable to sharing carries with RB Mike Weber. One of the two might be ready to break some big runs this week against Indiana.
SERIES HISTORY: Ohio State leads Indiana 73-12-5 and has won 22 in a row against the Hoosiers dating to 1991. The Buckeyes have lost only two games in the series in the past 65 years.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “That was two sledgehammers going against each other, two very talented teams.” — Ohio State coach Urban Meyer on last week’s win at Penn State.
