For the first time in 2013, Carlos Hyde ran for negative yards on a carry.
It happened during the first half against Illinois, and I suppose this remarkable streak was bound to come to an end at some point. From that moment on, however, the Big Ten’s best back delivered yet another monstrous performance, his finest of the season.
As much as we talk about Braxton Miller—and for good reason—Hyde will provide the biggest impact for the Buckeyes going forward, with key games taking shape on the horizon.
Against Illinois, it was the quarterback doing the heavy lifting early on. Miller broke a 70-yard touchdown run less than one minute into the game to set the tone. The Buckeyes offense got off to a blazing start, although the unit seemed to stall some as the game progressed. Illinois picked up its offense in the second half, and the game had a strange feel deep into the fourth quarter.
Hyde’s late surge, however, put any discussions of an upset to rest, and the Buckeyes cruised past the Illini, 60-35.
Unexpectedly, Hyde didn’t start in this game. ESPN’s College GameDay was the first to report that Hyde had issues with a class this previous week, prompting a late decision from Urban Meyer. Following the game, Meyer cleared up the issue, which doesn’t seem like it should be an issue at all:
Urban Meyer on if Carlos Hyde missed the start as a punishment: “Academically we have certain standards, but he’s fine.”
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Continue Reading: When Games Get Tougher Ohio State Will Lean on Carlos Hyde, Not Braxton Miller
