Ohio State won in impressive fashion, 60-35, over Illinois this past weekend, but the 35 points given up were the most by the Buckeyes all season long. As we head into the final stretch run of the season, should that point total be cause for concern for the Buckeyes?
Indiana’s passing attack is on the horizon this weekend, and there has been a disturbing trend for Ohio State against high-powered passing attacks so far this season.
Against Cal, the Buckeyes allowed 34 points, the previous season high by an opponent. In that game, Cal quarterback Jared Goff had 371 yards, which is the most given up by the Buckeyes all season long.
Wisconsin put up 295 yards through the air, but also scored four touchdowns in the passing game.
The Illinois game was the third-highest total given up by Ohio State through the air, at 288 yards. But the Buckeyes defense wasn’t the only group the Illini have put up points against in Big Ten play.
Illinois did put up 32 points on Wisconsin at home as well—and the Badgers are widely considered the second-best defense in the conference.
However, there is another factor in favor of the Buckeyes defense. All three of the highest passing games had something in common—the opponents were behind the eight ball from nearly the word go.
Ohio State put both Cal and Illinois in 21-0 holes in the first quarter. Whether you have a run game or not, it doesn’t matter when you are down three touchdowns in less than 15…
Continue Reading: Are There Concerns About the Ohio State Buckeyes’ Defense?
