On this week’s episode of “Off-Script Ohio,“ brought to you by Land-Grant Holy Land, Cole VanWiechen and Joey Gertz dive into Ohio State’s 38–14 statement win over Penn State, a game that was far more
lopsided than the score even suggests.
From Julian Sayin’s near-perfect outing to the defensive dominance up front, the Buckeyes sent a clear message to the rest of college football: they’re playing complete, confident football with November approaching. The duo also touched on a chaotic weekend across the national landscape, previewed a potential trap-spot trip to Purdue, and ended with a few early hoops takes as basketball season tips off in Columbus.
Statement Saturday in Happy Valley
As Joey put it, “This game had no business ever being close.” A controversial Donaldson fumble late in the first made the score to 17–14 at halftime, but from there, Ohio State slammed the door. The Buckeyes outscored Penn State 21–0 in the second half behind flawless execution from their offense and smothering defense. Sayin finished 20-of-23 for 316 yards and four touchdowns, more scores than incompletions, while J.J. Smith and Carnell Tate both topped 120 receiving yards in a show of dominance against former OSU defensive coordinator Jim Knowles’ defense.
Ohio State’s defensive front was every bit as impressive, holding Penn State’s backs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen to just 94 yards combined on 27 carries. Joey highlighted Eddrick Houston, Kayden McDonald, and Will Smith Jr. as key contributors in a front that generated seven tackles for loss.
Cole took aim at the other big matchup of the day, Hartline and Day versus Knowles, saying, “They absolutely cooked him. Knowles went man coverage against this receiver group, which we’ve seen before, and the result was the same. Sayin just picked them apart.” By the end of the game, the duo’s pregame wish list had been checked off. Hold Penn State under 14 points, drop 30+ on Knowles’ defense, and prove the Buckeyes can win with balance and aggression. Mission accomplished.
Around the country: chaos everywhere else
While Ohio State looked elite, the rest of the top 25 had a weekend of survival. Georgia barely escaped Florida 24–20 in another uninspired showing, their sixth game this year being tied or trailing at halftime. Georgia Tech fell to NC State 48–36 in a shootout, Texas outlasted Vanderbilt 34–31 behind Arch Manning’s breakout, and SMU stunned Miami 26–20 in overtime. Oklahoma knocked out Tennessee’s playoff hopes, Utah blew out Cincinnati, and Michigan barely slipped past Purdue 21–16: the same Purdue team Ohio State will visit next week.
Looking ahead: Purdue preview and hoops talk
Next up, a trip to West Lafayette to face a struggling Purdue team sitting winless in Big Ten play. The Boilermakers’ only two wins came against Ball State and Southern Illinois, but they did push Michigan last week, losing 21–16. Running back Devin Mockobee leads the way with 520 yards and 4 touchdowns, while Georgia transfer Nitro Tuggle brings speed on the perimeter. Still, Purdue’s offense ranks 75th nationally, averaging 22 points per game, and its defense sits near the bottom 10 in both rushing and passing categories.
Joey predicts a 42–7 final while Cole goes even bolder with 45–3.
The show wrapped with a quick turn to basketball season, as Ohio State opens Monday against IU Indy. The Buckeyes added a strong freshman trio, Amare Bynum, Mathieu Grujicic, and Myles Herro, plus four key transfers, including Gabe Cupps and Christoph Tilly. With Bruce Thornton, John Mobley Jr, and Devin Royal all returning, both hosts expect a tournament berth and real March potential.
Season predictions? Joey has 20–12 with a March Madness bid. Cole goes 22–10 and a Sweet Sixteen appearance, Ohio State’s first since 2014.
Bold take of the week: Bruce Thornton, Second-Team All-American. John Mobley Jr. to lead the Big Ten in three-point shooting.
Theme music provided by Audiio.
