Ohio State lost a step without J.T. Barrett, but Cardale Jones did enough to get No. 3 Ohio State a 28-14 victory over a feisty Minnesota team Saturday night.
The Buckeyes (9-0) are still alive in the College Football Playoff race, and they’re in sole possession of the lead in the Big Ten East after Nebraska upset No. 7 Michigan State.
Here’s how the Buckeyes graded out from their 14-point win over the Gophers.
Ohio State Buckeyes Grade Analysis
Pass Offense
Cardale Jones had a golden opportunity to reinsert himself back into the quarterback conversation against Minnesota, but the same struggles that got him benched showed up Saturday night.
Through most of the first half, Jones struggled with his accuracy and was unable to convert on third down. He completed just five of his first nine passes for 44 yards, but he doubled that total on one play when he found Jalin Marshall behind the Minnesota secondary to set up the offense’s first score of the game.
Jones finished the game completing 12 of 22 passes for 187 yards with one touchdown and no interceptions, although he did fumble the ball late in the third quarter.
Run Offense
With Jones’ struggles in the passing game, Ezekiel Elliott and the rushing attack didn’t have many lanes in the first half.
That didn’t slow Elliott completely, though, as he still managed 55 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries. He was the only one gaining ground through two quarters, as Braxton Miller and…
Continue Reading: Minnesota vs. Ohio State: Game Grades, Analysis for the Buckeyes
